It may feel unseasonably warm this October,
but expect a little snow throughout the week!
❄️ The two snow leopard cubs have recently begun exploring their outdoor habitat! Guests may catch a glimpse of them on weekends, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Sightings are not guaranteed as they continue to adjust to their new environment.
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, even sharing her bones with the cubs. As they grow, she’s ensuring they understand their boundaries. Both cubs are enjoying new enrichment items and actively exploring their outdoor space.
Born on May 13th, the cubs' public debut has been highly anticipated. They remained safe in their indoor, behind-the-scenes habitat until receiving all necessary vaccines, giving staff time to modify the outdoor habitat to ensure it’s secure for the cubs.
While they explore their new space, guests can view Jita and the cubs on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. On other days, their father Pemba will be viewable in the habitat. Please note that hours may vary daily.
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:
Want to check out the #snowballs from home?
Join zoolife– the world’s first online zoo – to watch them grow day-by-day:
Follow us on social media for updates as our cubs settle into their new habitat!
