Because of their strength and agility historically leopard sub-species are kept in enclosed mesh roofed exhibits and as a result, generally to do with the cost or feasibility of roofing a large area, the exhibits tend to end up with a small surface area.

After researching Amur leopard ecology and the design of other enclosures we aimed to design and build a large, three dimensional, open topped exhibit which would allow us to manage a breeding pair and their offspring. As a critically endangered species we wanted the Amur leopards in our care to exhibit natural behaviours and have the space and flexibility to manage several individuals within the breeding programme (EEP) without compromising their welfare. As the Amur leopard EEP is planning to be involved in the re-introduction programme we want animals that are as physically and mentally as fit as possible so their offspring have the best chance of being chosen for release and survival.