Akron, OH – The Akron Zoo’s newest additions are making history.

Until last month, snow leopards had never been born at the Akron Zoo. However, on May 14th, 4-year- old snow leopard, Shanti, gave birth to two tiny male cubs. At birth, these tiny babies weighed only two pounds. Now that almost two months have gone by, the boys are 6 lbs each, can open their eyes, walk, and are starting to climb.

The zoo staff started to suspect Shanti was pregnant in March when he behavior changed dramatically. They wired cameras to monitor her closely during this process. The father of the cubs, Roscoe, is a 9-year-old snow leopard and first time father. He is on display everyday at the Akron zoo, and will not participate in the rearing process for the cubs or even have direct contact with them at all. This is how it works in the wild with snow leopards – but Shanti is doing well on her own and taking great care of her two babies.

According to Akron News, the two cubs will remain indoors until they go on display in their exhibit in late July or Early August and a naming contest will be announced in mid-July. It will conclude before the cubs go onto exhibit.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit Akron Zoo’s website.

-Kate Murphy / 98.5 WNCX