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Snow Leopard Cub Thriving At Brookfield Zoo

Snow Leopard
A 2-month-old snow leopard cub born at Brookfield Zoo on June 13 is currently growing by leaps and bounds in an off-exhibit den with his mom, Sarani. Until the cub is 3 months old, he will remain there bonding with his mom before making his public debut in mid-September. (Brookfield Zoo)

BROOKFIELD, lll. (AP) -- There's a new furry feline prowling around the Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago.

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo, says Friday that an endangered snow leopard cub was born June 13.

The male cub now tips the scales at 10 pounds and is spending time bonding with his mother. The public will be able to see the pair starting in mid-September. Until then, they're in an off-exhibit den.

The baby is the first cub born to 3-year-old Sarani and her mate, Sabu.

Conservationists think there are between 3,500 and 7,000 snow leopards remaining in the wild. They live in mountainous areas of Asia and Russia.

 

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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