Vladivostok's Leopard Day celebrates Amur leopard's remarkable recovery

Vladivostok celebrated Leopard Day on 3 May 2023 with a lively festival at Admiral Fokin Square. The event highlighted the Amur leopard’s growing population and its importance to the region’s ecosystem. Visitors enjoyed entertainment, prizes, and themed activities throughout the day.

The festival began at noon with a leopard-themed warm-up session. Attendees then took part in a vocal and dance performance by artists from the Tiger and Leopard Museum in Hunchun, China. Leopard-themed animators and live performances kept the crowd engaged.

Vladkhleb, a local bakery, supplied sweet treats for the occasion. Lucky winners received Medovik cake with ginseng and Medalka cake as prizes. Ten participants took home gifts, while two secured spots in the LeoRun 2026 trail half-marathon. Victor Bardyukov, director of the Land of the Leopard Federal State Institution, spoke about the species’ vital role in maintaining ecological balance. He noted that conservation efforts, including those by the Land of the Leopard National Park, had helped triple the population. From just 30 to 35 individuals in the early 2000s, the Amur leopard now numbers around 120.

The festival raised awareness of the Amur leopard’s recovery and its significance to the region. With continued conservation work, the species’ future looks more secure. The event also strengthened ties between local communities and wildlife protection initiatives.