Snow Leopard Cubs

Expect a little snow throughout the week!

❄️ The snow leopard cubs have been growing and thriving in their outdoor habitat over the past few months! While they are more accustomed to their surroundings, sightings are not guaranteed, as they may choose to rest in less visible areas or remain indoors.

Introducing Zoya and Minu! Zoya, meaning "life" or "alive" in Nepali, was born first and is a bit of a mommy’s girl. Minu, meaning "precious gem," is more independent. Watch closely—you may spot the differences in their behaviours as they explore their habitat!

Jita continues to be an excellent mom, sharing her bones with the cubs and teaching them important boundaries as they grow. Both cubs are thriving and enjoying new enrichment items while confidently exploring their outdoor space.

Born on May 13, the cubs' public debut was highly anticipated. After receiving all necessary vaccines and allowing staff time to prepare their habitat, they have become an exciting part of your visit to the Zoo.

While they are now more accustomed to their outdoor space, guests can view Jita and the cubs on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On other days, their father Pemba will be in the habitat. Please note that sightings may vary, as the cubs may rest in less visible areas or remain indoors.

The elusive snow leopard, also known as the "ghost cat," is rarely spotted in the wild and is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their population is estimated to be between 4,000–6,500, with major threats including habitat loss from human expansion and climate change, poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, and human-wildlife conflict.

The Toronto Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a cooperative breeding program across AZA-accredited facilities in North America. The SSP helps maintain a sustainable population of snow leopards in human care to preserve genetic diversity and raise awareness of their plight in the wild. Over the years, 16 snow leopards have been born at your Toronto Zoo, with 14 transferring to other accredited facilities to support the program. These births demonstrate the crucial role that captive breeding plays in preserving a genetically healthy snow leopard population and educating the public about conservation.

Through the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy's Adopt an Animal program, you can symbolically adopt a snow leopard and become a Guardian of Wild. Funds raised support the Zoo’s ongoing conservation and research efforts to help save endangered species. For more information or to adopt, please visit:

www.tzwcadopt.ca

Want to check out the #snowballs from home?

Join zoolife– the world’s first online zoo – to watch them grow day-by-day:

zoolife.tv/torontozoo

Follow us on social media for updates as our cubs settle into their new habitat!

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