Woodland Park Zoo celebrated the birth of snow leopard cubs, a male and a female of the endangered species.

“The birth marks another milestone for Woodland Park Zoo and North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as the cubs will help bolster the genetic diversity of the endangered species,” said zoo Interim Curator Tina Mullett. “These beautiful conservation ambassadors help visitors connect with snow leopards and become inspired to learn about and take action to help preserve their future in their range countries.”

Seven additional snow leopards have been born this year in four other AZA zoos.

Veterinarians performed a neonatal examination today on the cubs. The first-time mom and cubs are off public exhibit to allow bonding and proper nursing.

“We’re pleased to announce that both cubs appear to be progressing normally," said zoo Associate Veterinarian Dr. Kelly Helmick. "They’re healthy and vigorous, and maternal care appears to be very good."

The cubs currently weigh between 3.6 and 4 pounds.

The three-week-old cubs represent the first offspring for the 4-year-old mother, Helen, and 3-year-old father, Tom. The last birth of snow leopards at the zoo was in 2000.

As part of Woodland Park Zoo’s partnership with field conservation projects around the world, the zoo partners with the Seattle-based Snow Leopard Trust. The trust was created in 1981 by the late Woodland Park Zoo staff member Helen Freeman, the namesake of the mother of the cubs, Helen.

Through programs, partnerships and the latest science, the Snow Leopard Trust is saving these cats and improving the lives of people who live in the snow leopard countries of Central Asia.

Snow leopard cubs are born helpless, with their eyes closed and rely for several weeks on their mothers for nutrition. To minimize disturbance, staff have minimal physical contact with the new family and are monitoring mother and cubs in a birthing den via a Web cam. Since snow leopards are solitary animals in the wild, the father has been separated and is on public view with the zoo’s other adult female, Nadia, in the snow leopard exhibit adjacent to Australasia.

Woodland Park Zoo summer hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Visit www.zoo.org.