Zoo also getting ready to host the return of Zoo Brew, taking place Saturday, June 7
The Santa Barbara Zoo is pleased to introduce Tamur (pronounced tuh-MOOR), a 5-year-old male Amur leopard, who arrived from the San Diego Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Amur leopards are the most endangered big cat on Earth.
Tamur’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter in the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. The move was recommended by the AZA’s SSP, a collaborative program designed to maintain a genetically diverse and stable population of animals in human care, with the ultimate goal of supporting species conservation efforts worldwide.
“Welcoming Tamur is a powerful reminder of the critical conservation work we do here every day,” said Dr. Julie Barnes, vice president of animal care at the Santa Barbara Zoo. “The Santa Barbara Zoo is deeply committed to protecting endangered species like the Amur leopard. Every animal move is carefully planned with the future of the species in mind, and we’re proud to play a role in helping ensure their survival.”
While Tamur is still acclimating to his new habitat and may not always be visible, zoo guests are encouraged to stop by and welcome him during their next visit.
Farewell to Marta and Ajax
In related news, the zoo’s beloved Amur leopards Marta and her mother Ajax have recently departed Santa Barbara to contribute to the conservation mission at other AZA-accredited institutions.
Marta, born on Aug. 6, 2021, made history as the first Amur leopard born at the zoo in over 20 years. She now resides at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio, where she will play a crucial role in the genetic health of the population. Her mother Ajax, recognized as one of the most genetically valuable female Amur leopards in North America, also moved to a new home at the Nashville Zoo as part of the SSP’s ongoing efforts.
Tamur is generously sponsored by Premier Foster Feeders Marta Holsman Babson and Henrietta Holsman Fore. To learn more about how to support the zoo’s Amur leopards as an animal sponsor, please visit https://sbzoo.pivvit.com/foster-feeder.
About Amur leopards
Amur leopards are the most endangered big cats in the world. They have also been called the Korean leopard, Far East leopard, and Manchurian leopard, which echoes their historic range, spanning the Korean Peninsula into northeast China’s Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces, and across the border into the Russian Far East and Amur River basin, from which the species now takes its name.
Just under 100 are estimated to remain in the wild, in a small area between Vladivostok, Russia, and the Chinese border, along with a few scattered individuals in China. Their threats include poaching, forest fires, development, and, at this point, inbreeding. Approximately 200 Amur leopards are in human care, primarily in zoos in North America, Europe, and countries of the former Soviet Union, and are part of globally cooperative conservation breeding programs.
Zoo Brew coming Saturday, June 7
The zoo will be hosting the return of Zoo Brew, the annual fundraiser that caters to beer and zoo lovers alike! Zoo Brew will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a VIP hour from 4 to 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at sbzoo.ticketsauce.com/e/zoo-brew-2025/ticketsere.
Guests are in for a “brew-tiful” day of sipping on a whole herd of beverages and interacting with the local brewers who crafted them, all while admiring the zoo’s hilltop ocean view. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy early entry and appetizers. This year’s event features 25+ beverage makers from California, including beer, cider, hard seltzer, wine, and more. Pub food, non-alcoholic beverages, and merchandise are also available for purchase.
General admission tickets are $75 per person and include unlimited beer tastings and a Zoo Brew 2025 commemorative tasting cup. VIP tickets are $110, and include all general admission perks, plus early entry/VIP hour (4 to 5 p.m.) and appetizers. All proceeds benefit the animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo. For ages 21+ only. For more information about Zoo Brew and to see participating partners, go to www.sbzoo.org/zoo-brew or call (805) 962-5339.
The Santa Barbara Zoo strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please email the accessibility team at welcome@sbzoo.org.
About the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m. General admission is $35 for adults, $25 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Buy online and save $7 per ticket. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit sbzoo.org.
