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Toronto Zoo’s snow leopards ready to meet the public this weekend – CP24
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Toronto Zoo’s snow leopards ready to meet the public this weekend – CP24

The Toronto Zoo’s newest snow leopards will make their grand debut to the public this weekend as they explore their new outdoor habitat.

The leopards, Zoya and Minu, were born on May 13. Zoya means “life” or “living” in Nepali, and Minu means “gem” or “precious stone”.

According to Toronto Zoo staff, Zoya has become close to their mother, Jita, while Minu is a little more independent.

“Jita continues to be a great mom and will even share her bones with the girls. Now that they are a little older, Jita is making sure they know their limits with her,” a press release read posted Friday. “Both cubs also continue to enjoy their new enrichment items and explore their outdoor space in preparation for the visible primary habitat.”

Their mother, Jita, was three years old at the time of her pregnancy, which lasted 97 days. The typical gestation period for a snow leopard is 97 days.

Since their birth, Toronto Zoo teams have been preparing the leopard’s outdoor habitat, receiving vaccinations and getting closer to their mother.

This weekend, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public will get their first glimpse of the cubs as they explore their new outdoor habitat. Information on when to see the cubs will be released later, the zoo said.

The Toronto Zoo is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located at 2000 Meadowvale Road. Information on entry and tickets can be found online.