Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is proud to introduce a 10-week-old female Snow Leopard cub today in the Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building! Born on May 5, 2016 to first-time mom Sombra and six-time dad Amga, the Snow Leopard cub can be viewed during Zoo hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays through Labor Day.
Over the past 10 weeks, the yet-to-be-named Snow Leopard cub has become adjusted to her new habitat in a behind-the-scenes denning area with her mother. Snow Leopard cubs are born with their eyes closed, weighing a little over a half a pound at birth. The Zoo's cub opened her eyes after about two weeks, and began to explore her surroundings at six weeks. She now weighs in at over eight pounds and has started to show her more playful side when interacting with mom.
"We are very excited to introduce one of the newest members of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's family," said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar. "Both mom and cub are doing well and the birth of the Zoo's Snow Leopard cub is a great opportunity to raise awareness for Snow Leopard conservation. Fewer than 7,000 Snow Leopards remain in the wild, but the Zoo's Future for Wildlife program has helped raise over $40,000 for our conservation partner, The Snow Leopard Trust." Learn more about the Zoo's conservation efforts by visiting www.futureforwildlife.org.
"We are very excited to introduce one of the newest members of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's family," said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar. "Both mom and cub are doing well and the birth of the Zoo's Snow Leopard cub is a great opportunity to raise awareness for Snow Leopard conservation. Fewer than 7,000 Snow Leopards remain in the wild, but the Zoo's Future for Wildlife program has helped raise over $40,000 for our conservation partner, The Snow Leopard Trust." Learn more about the Zoo's conservation efforts by visiting www.futureforwildlife.org.
The Snow Leopard cub needs a name, and you can help! On Friday, July 15, visit ClevelandMetroparks.com/ZooBaby and cast your vote for your favorite of four names the Zoo's staff has selected. The winning name will be announced on Thursday, July 28.
The University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Zoo Babies Program in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates the birth of the Snow Leopard cub.
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