He is one of only 80 or so of the endangered big cats in the wild. Picture: Land of Leopard

The unnamed male Amur leopard, known only as Leo 80M, has confounded animal experts and proven he can hunt, so will be readied for a return to the wild.

He is one of only 80 or so of the endangered big cats in the wild. He lost three front claws after becoming entangled in a trap set by hunters in the Land of the Leopard Reserve close to the Chinese border.



Before release, he will undergo training so he stays clear of humans. Pictures: Land of Leopard

It was clear the leopard, a cub probably between one and two years old, was on the brink of exhaustion and in a state of distress. After being tranquillised, he was taken to a rehabilitation centre in the village of Alekseyevka. Without help, the leopard would likely have died within days.

In June, Elena Salmanova, deputy director of the Land of Leopard National Park, gave a pessimistic forecast, saying: 'Since the animal has no claws on its front paw, it will hardly be able to get food and therefore cannot go back into the wild.'

After three months rehabilitation, the view has changed. Yekaterina Blidchenko, an expert at the rehabilitation centre, said: 'The leopard is well-developed physically. He has instant reaction, most likely he won't have difficulties hunting.



'The injured paw didn't stop him from climbing trees in the cage, and exploring the territory.' Pictures: Land of Leopard

'The injured paw didn't stop him from climbing trees in the cage, and exploring the territory. It's also very important that this is a self-confident animal. He can make decisions quickly and adapts to new conditions perfectly. It means that Leo 80M will be able to compete with other leopards in the wild.'

Before release, he will undergo training so he stays clear of humans. All 16 members of the reserve voted this week to release Leo 80M into the wild. On a visit to Russia, actress and animal rights campaigner Pamela Anderson, 48, was shown the leopard earlier this month.