Zoo welcomes 2 new snow leopard cubs

The Idaho Falls Zoo announced the birth of two rare snow leopard cubs Thursday.

The female cubs were born last month. Thursday Local News 8 got an exclusive look at the cubs that zoo officials say likely won’t be on public display for another month.

“It really will be up to mom. Once she’s comfortable letting the kittens out of the den and letting them explore beyond their bedroom and holding stalls — it’ll be all up to her. We never force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do with the kittens, and she’s done this before so we trust her judgment,” said Beth Rich, zoo superintendent.

Rich said snow leopards are an endangered species, and they’re lucky to have them at the zoo.

The newborns don’t have names yet — the zoo is thinking of having a naming contest.