The Toronto Zoo shared a very exciting update, letting the world know that its "vulnerable" Snow Leopard is expecting a litter of cubs this spring.
On April 19, 2024, the Toronto Zoo posted a video update to Facebook, and it contains some really great news that we can all look forward to. Take a look!
In a one-minute video posted to social media, the Toronto Zoo shared the news that one of its Snow Leopards is expecting.
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The zoo shared in the video's caption, "There might be a little snow in the spring forecast this year at your Toronto Zoo."
"We are excited to announce that Jita, a nearly-three-year-old Snow Leopard, is pregnant for the first time!" the announcement continued.
Jita underwent an ultrasound by the Wildlife team, and they determined that she was carrying cubs. Right now, they cannot see the exact number of cubs she's carrying, but everything seems to be going well for the mama.
The news from the zoo shared that they're being cautious and careful with the cubs' health and keeping a close eye due to some health history with their dad, Pemba.
"While news of this impending arrival is exciting, it comes with some caution. First-time pregnancies inherently present challenges (especially with large carnivores) since inexperienced mothers don’t always know what to do," the zoo explained.
"Additionally, although Pemba has sired prior litters, medical complications meant that none of his cubs survived."
The care team will continue to monitor Mama's progress and hopes to see the "best possible outcome regardless of the situation."
In the comments, people were super supportive and couldn't wait to cheer on the birth of the babies when that time comes.
"Lovely news! Fingers and toes all crossed for a good outcome!" one person shared.
"Exciting," added another. "Congratulations! Hope all goes well for Jita."
Someone else wrote, "Amazing news! Congratulations to Jita, Pemba and their care team."
Snow Leopards Are Listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List
According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ), Snow Leopards are listed as "vulnerable" due to the decrease in population.
"The Snow Leopard is assessed as Vulnerable because the global population is estimated to number more than 2,500 but fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, and there is an estimated and projected decline of at least 10% over 22.62 years (3 generations)," the IUCN notes on its Red List.
The agency notes that getting an accurate population trend report has been challenging because these animals are notoriously difficult to track.
But if all goes well with Jita, the numbers should increase slightly very soon.
"Jita and Pemba were observed breeding multiple times on February 6th and 7th," the Toronto Zoo shared.
"Typical snow leopard gestation lasts 90 to 110 days, placing Jita’s likely birth window sometime between May 6 and May 27th."
How exciting!
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