SEATTLE — Woodland Park Zoo has welcomed three new snow leopard cubs, who were born on Memorial Day, May 27.
The cubs belong to parents Marai, 7, and Aibek, 6, who were paired under the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan. This breeding plan helps sustain a healthy population of snow leopards in zoos across the nation.
"As a first-time mom, Marai has amazed us with the level of care she's been giving her cubs," said Chris Scheetz, an animal keeper at Woodland Park Zoo. "Given how vocal and active the cubs already are, we're excited for guests to see them later this summer, and we expect they will bring a lot of energy and excitement to the snow leopard habitat."
Marai and the cubs are in a maternity den away from viewing for bonding and nursing in a quieter setting, according to the zoo. They will remain in the den for several months until they are moved to an outdoor exhibit for viewing.
Snow leopard cubs are born with their eyes closed and do not eat solid food for at least three months. The cubs' father, Aibek, and their grandmother, Helen, live separately from Marai and the new cubs until the cubs enter the on-view exhibit in a few months.
"These cubs are critical to help sustain a healthy population of snow leopards at zoos around the world, and they will go on to be incredible conservation ambassadors for their cousins in the wild," said Erin Sullivan, an animal curator at Woodland Park Zoo.
Snow leopards are listed as "vulnerable" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, or IUCN Red List. The species is native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia and Russia.
Snow Leopard Trust, based in Seattle, says there are estimated to be between 4,000 and 6,390 snow leopards in the wild. The Snow Leopard Trust was founded in 1981 by the late Woodland Park Zoo staff member Helen Freeman, the namesake of the zoo's snow leopard, Helen.