Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Fukuoka Zoo marks 30 years caring for Tsushima leopard cats
Fukuoka Zoo marked 30 years of caring for Tsushima leopard cats, an endangered species native only to Tsushima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
The zoo named its newest female kitten Nagi; she was born in April, four years after the previous birth there.
Fewer than 100 cats are estimated to remain in the wild, making conservation efforts important to the species’ survival.
Fukuoka Zoo began caring for the cats in 1996 and has shared its breeding and care methods with other facilities across Japan.
The zoo has recorded 63 of the 88 births nationwide, and seven of the 36 cats in care at 10 Japanese facilities are there.
The zoo says it will continue its conservation work to help protect the species and support future generations.
Fukuoka Zoo marked 30 years of caring for endangered Tsushima leopard cats at a ceremony on Oct. 8, 2026.
The zoo announced the name Nagi for a female kitten born in April, four years after the previous birth.
Since becoming Japan’s first zoo to keep the species in 1996, Fukuoka Zoo has recorded 63 of the 88 births nationwide.
Fewer than 100 Tsushima leopard cats are estimated to remain in the wild.
The zoo said it would continue conservation work and share its breeding and animal-care expertise with zoos across Japan.
- Who
- Fukuoka Zoo, Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu, and the Tsushima leopard cats it cares for.
- What
- The zoo marked 30 years of caring for the endangered species and announced the kitten’s name, Nagi.
- When
- The ceremony was held on Oct. 8, 2026. The kitten was born in April.
- Where
- Fukuoka Zoo in Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, southwestern Japan.
- Why
- To mark the zoo’s 30 years of care and reaffirm its commitment to conservation and breeding.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fukuoka Zoo became the first zoo in Japan to begin keeping Tsushima leopard cats.
A female kitten was born at the zoo, four years after the previous birth.
The zoo held a ceremony marking 30 years of care and announced the kitten’s name, Nagi.
The zoo’s cafe is selling a limited-edition Tsushima leopard cat ice cream.
- Nationwide births
- 88 Tsushima leopard cats have been born at facilities in Japan.
- Fukuoka Zoo births
- 63 of the 88 nationwide births were at Fukuoka Zoo.
- Wild population
- Fewer than 100 animals are estimated to remain.
- Cats in care
- 36 cats were being cared for at 10 Japanese facilities at the end of September 2026.
- Nagi’s votes
- 2,371 of 5,656 public votes went to the kitten’s name.
- Limited-edition ice cream
- 700 yen, on sale through Dec. 27.
What people are saying
We are extremely grateful.
Tsushima leopard cats are very sensitive animals. We want to devote more effort to conservation activities.
very curious