SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- An endangered Amur leopard cub was born at Potawatomi Zoo September 8.

The male cub, who is yet to be named, was born to parents Anastasia and Mango. The parental pairing was recommended by the Amur Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Since Anastasia isn't able to give the cub the care he needs, animal care management and the zoo vet decided to hand-rear him. The zoo staff cared for the cub for the first few weeks of his life, and he seems to be growing healthy and strong.

Josh Sisk, the executive director of the zoo, said, “It’s hard to predict the future, but our plan is to raise the cub until he is old enough to be placed in another zoo, hopefully to be paired with another female as recommended by the Amur Leopard SSP."

The zoo is currently in the process of completing a new habitat for Amur leopards and tigers.

Sisk added, “Not only is it critical for zoos to have a sustainable population of this amazing species, but it’s possible that what we learn about Amur leopards could hopefully, someday, help bring them back from the brink of extinction.”