Toronto, ON, Canada - May 14, 2024

In a rare and heartwarming event, three-year-old snow leopard Jita welcomed two adorable cubs into the world overnight on Monday, May 13th.

The cubs, sired by nine-year-old Pemba, arrived after a 97-day pregnancy, marking a significant milestone for the Toronto Zoo's snow leopard conservation efforts. Wildlife Care personnel, monitoring the birth via remote cameras, witnessed Jita's laborious efforts, from her labored breathing to the telltale signs of impending birth.

The first cub made its entrance at 7:45 pm, followed by its sibling in the early hours of Tuesday, May 14th. Jita, a first-time mother, has proven to be a nurturing and attentive parent, diligently nursing, grooming, and cuddling her precious "snowballs."

While the new family remains off-limits to zoo visitors and media, updates on their progress will be shared in the coming days and weeks. The Wildlife Care team is committed to closely monitoring the cubs' development via CCTV cameras to ensure minimal disturbance while providing the necessary care and support.