Jita, a nearly three-year-old snow leopard at the Toronto Zoo, has given birth to two cubs, her first litter. The zoo announced the birth in a Facebook post, revealing that Jita went into labor after a 97-day pregnancy and gave birth to her first cub on Monday night, with the second following in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The zoo assured the public that Jita is doing well as a first-time mother, diligently nursing, grooming, and cuddling her new cubs. The wildlife care team is closely monitoring the family via CCTV cameras to minimize any disturbances and ensure the healthy development of the cubs. While Jita and her cubs are not currently visible to guests, the zoo promises to update when they will be available for viewing.
Jita’s pregnancy was complicated by the fact that the expected father, a nine-year-old snow leopard named Pemba, had sired prior litters but none of his cubs survived due to medical complications. Pemba was introduced to Jita in early February based on a recommendation from the snow leopard Species Survival Plan, a collaborative breeding program among accredited North American facilities. The zoo described the meeting between Jita and Pemba as “love at first sight,” with the two observed breeding multiple times on February 6th and 7th. Snow leopard pregnancies typically last between 90 and 110 days, and the zoo staff are hopeful for the successful upbringing of Jita’s cubs.
The snow leopard, also known as the “ghost cat” due to its elusive nature, is a vulnerable species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature list. These big cats are not often seen in the wild, making the birth of new cubs at the Toronto Zoo a significant event for conservation efforts. The zoo participates in various programs to ensure the survival and protection of snow leopards, including breeding initiatives like the one that led to the birth of Jita’s cubs. The arrival of the new snow leopard cubs is an exciting and positive development for both the Toronto Zoo and the broader conservation community.
The Toronto Zoo expressed caution and careful monitoring of Jita’s pregnancy, given the challenges associated with first-time pregnancies for large carnivores like snow leopards. The wildlife care team’s diligent observation of Jita and her cubs through CCTV cameras is crucial to providing the necessary support and intervention if needed. The zoo hopes that Jita’s successful delivery and care of her cubs will contribute to the health and sustainability of the snow leopard population, both in captivity and in the wild. As the cubs grow and develop under Jita’s watchful eye, the zoo anticipates sharing their progress with visitors and supporters.
The birth of Jita’s cubs marks a significant milestone in the Toronto Zoo’s conservation efforts, particularly in the preservation of endangered species like the snow leopard. By participating in collaborative breeding programs and prioritizing the well-being of their animal residents, the zoo aims to raise awareness about these majestic creatures and the challenges they face in the wild. The success of Jita’s pregnancy and the birth of healthy cubs offer hope for the future of snow leopards and inspire visitors to become advocates for wildlife conservation. The zoo’s ongoing commitment to protecting species at risk underscores the importance of maintaining biodiversity and respecting all forms of life in our shared ecosystem.
