NEW pictures of Colchester Zoo's critically endangered Amur leopard cubs have emerged.

The photos, which were taken yesterday (Friday, October 25), show the twin cubs are getting use to life in their enclosure.

The pair were born on September 9 to mum Esra and dad Crispin.

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They are the first Amur leopards to have ever been born at the Maldon Road attraction.

It took them nine days to first open their eyes but they have continued to grow ever since and made their first steps outside earlier this month much to the delight of zoo visitors.

Mum Esra has been a little wary about letting her little ones have free rein and has been doing her best to return them to their private den.

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A zoo spokesman said: "Colchester Zoo is politely asking that visitors remain as quiet as possible while viewing the leopards and not to use any flash photography.

"The cub’s genders will not be known until their vaccinations are given at 12 weeks of age."

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