Utah’s Hogle Zoo is excited to welcome two snow leopard cubs born on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Babs and cubs are doing well, and she shows positive maternal signs.
The births occurred naturally, as Hogle Zoo’s team observed the deliveries through cameras donated by the Marriner S. Eccles Foundation and Backstreet Surveillance, Inc. Staff will continue to monitor Babs and the cubs around the clock for additional developments.
Babs and her cubs will not be visible to guests, as they’re being given time to adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment.
In 2021, Babs (4) came to Utah from the Toledo Zoo, on a breeding recommendation with Chim (11) from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) that guides a healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining population.
This is Babs and Chim’s first breeding season and first pregnancy for Babs. The SSP indicates that first-time snow leopard moms aren’t always successful, meaning there is a chance the cubs may not have survived the pregnancy or birth.
The birth of these two cubs is an important step toward conserving the elusive and vulnerable snow leopard species. We’re so proud to be a part of the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan and be able to contribute to a genetically diverse snow leopard population.
Update – June 25, 2024
At three weeks old, the cubs are hitting all the right milestones: moving around a lot, eating well, and opening their eyes. Babs is an excellent and attentive first-time mom, grooming, cuddling, and keeping a close watch over her cubs. Like any mom, Babs sometimes needs a break so she occasionally steps outside the den to stretch her legs before returning to her cubs.
Babs and her cubs will not be visible to guests until this fall. This extended, behind-the-scenes period allows the cubs to receive necessary vaccinations and adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment. Follow @HogleZoo for more CUBdates!
About Snow Leopards
Found throughout Asia, from the southern Himalayas westward through Pakistan and north to the Russian mountain ranges, snow leopards are known for their elusive and mostly solitary nature. With pale gray coats that act like natural camouflage, snow leopards have evolved to live in some of the most remote environments and are often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains.”
Conservation threats to snow leopards:
We have not been able to confirm genders yet. Identifying gender in big cats can be tricky, and it will likely be a while before we are able to determine the gender of Babs’ cubs.
Babs and her cubs are in her private den area where they’ll stay behind the scenes for a few months to help the cubs adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment.
Guests can expect to see the cubs this fall. This extended, behind-the-scenes period allows the cubs to receive necessary vaccinations and adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment.
The cubs would stay with Babs behind the scenes for a few months to help them adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment. Mom and cubs would then remain together for the foreseeable future, or until any behavioral changes or breeding recommendations occur.
How much time and space babies need with their mother or social system totally depends on the species! With our recent gorilla infant, mom Pele and her baby were able to stick to a very normal routine, staying around the troop to benefit from their social structure. Because snow leopards are solitary animals, they prefer to be left alone during the labor, birthing, and cub development stages. Our teams are diligently monitoring the trio through cameras, providing extra space, and keeping disruptions at a minimum to facilitate this natural process for Babs.