Snow Leopard Cubs Born at the OKC Zoo
Guests visiting the Zoo this summer may see
snow...leopards that is! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is
excited to announce the arrival of two snow leopard cubs. On May 19, a
male and female cub were born at the Zoo's Cat Forest exhibit to
first-time, six-year-old mother Kiara and eight-year-old father Tankh
(pronounced Tawnk). Each cub weighed approximately two pounds at birth.
Both mother and babies are doing well.
"We are very excited to have two new snow leopard cubs since this is the first litter born at the Zoo in 16 years," said Mammal Curator, Laura Bottaro. "These cubs represent our continued efforts to successfully breed this magnificent and endangered species."
After a quiet period of bonding time with mom, some growing and their vaccinations, the cubs will be slowly acclimated to time in the great out-of-doors. Beginning August 1, come "spot" our cubs on exhibit at Cat Forest from 8 a.m. to noon daily weather permitting.
A member of the big cat family, snow leopards are known for their exquisite spotted coats. Their fur is very long and dense, especially on the underbelly. They also have a heavily furred tail, which they use for balance and to wrap around themselves for warmth. Snow leopards are found in the mountains of central Asia down to the Himalayas of India, China and Nepal; generally above 8,000 feet of elevation. They are at home in the steep, rocky slopes and semi-arid grass and scrub lands in this area.
Snow leopards are an endangered species. Their numbers in the wild are estimated at 3,500-7,000 throughout central Asia. Habitat loss and poaching for their pelts and body parts for medicinal purposes are contributing to their rapid decline.
The Zoo as well as Zoofriends participates in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP is a cooperative effort among AZA accredited zoos throughout North America created to help promote genetic diversity and Snow Leopard SSP.
Recognized as one of the top three family friendly zoos in the nation and the state's #1 attraction, the Oklahoma City Zoo is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. now through August 10 for Morning Zoo Rise. Exhibit buildings close at 8 p.m. The Zoo is located in the heart of Oklahoma City's Adventure District at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages three to 11 and seniors age 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. For more information, call the Zoo at (405) 424-3344 or go online at okczoo.com