LOCAL NEWS

Snow Leopard Cubs at Utah’s Hogle Zoo now ready for visitors

Sep 20, 2024, 1:13 PM | Updated: 1:53 pm

Utah's Hogle Zoo announced two snow leopard cubs born in June are now ready to accept visitors at t...

Utah's Hogle Zoo announced two snow leopard cubs born in June are now ready to accept visitors at the zoo. Pictured is Bhutan, the boy cub. (Utah's Hogle Zoo)

(Utah's Hogle Zoo)

SALT LAKE CITY  — Utah’s Hogle Zoo made an exciting announcement Friday: A set of months-old snow leopard cubs are now ready to welcome visitors at the zoo.

The cubs, Pavlova and her brother Bhutan, have been enjoying time behind the scenes with their “very protective” mother, Babs, after their June 4 birthday. They spent time adapting to their new environment and received regular checkups by animal care staff. The zoo said the cubs also spent time training.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo announced two snow leopard cubs born in June are now ready to accept visitors at the zoo. Pictured are the two cubs, girl Pavlova and boy Bhutan. (Utah’s Hogle Zoo)

“Training includes tracking a target, moving to different areas, voluntarily getting on a scale and safely taking food from their keeper team,” the zoo said.

In addition to training, the zoo said keepers slowly built Babs’ existing trust with her cubs so she felt comfortable while they were away during veterinary exams. The exams conducted in past months allowed the staff to evaluate the cubs’ body condition and weight and administer vaccinations.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo announced two snow leopard cubs born in June are now ready to accept visitors at the zoo. Pictured is Pavlova, the girl cub. (Utah’s Hogle Zoo)

Recently, the cubs’ father, Chim, died from a sudden health decline. However, Chim was not involved in raising Pavlova and Bhutan, or their birth, because snow leopards are solitary in nature.

“Ophthalmologists from MedVet performed detailed eye exams, a unique practice for snow leopards, who are especially prone to ocular issues,” the zoo said. “Both cubs’ eyes look great, and the cubs are in good overall health!”

The cubs have been exploring their outdoor habitat for the first time, the zoo said, which care teams closely evaluated and made necessary modifications to so the cubs could safely explore the space. As visitors trickle in, the zoo said Pavlova and Bhutan will have access to both their indoor and outdoor habitats.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the cubs can be seen in their exhibit as of Friday. The zoo suggested visitors check its social media or ask a zoo team member when the best time of day would be to visit in order to see them active.

“Every ticket and membership to Hogle Zoo supports our conservation initiatives in Utah and around the globe through our conversation partners, including Snow Leopard Trust,” the zoo said. “Snow Leopard Trust aims to better understand and protect snow leopards in partnership with communities that share their habitat.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

The Utah State Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025....

Allessandra Harris Gurr, KSL NewsRadio

Privilege tax may be added to the Point of the Mountain

A proposed bill may bring a privilege tax to the Point of the Mountain development.

2 hours ago

Utah's Capitol building...

Mariah Maynes

Anglers coalition to host Utah fishing day at Capitol

Utah Anglers Coalition will host an event highlighting Utah fishing at the Capitol on Feb. 10.

14 hours ago

Staff at Dugway Proving Grounds find several hundred struggling and dead eared grebes on April 15, ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

As many as 25,000 grebes killed by bird flu within Great Salt Lake, Utah officials say

Utah wildlife officials estimate 15,000 to 25,000 eared grebes have died in recent months from a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak across the Great Salt Lake, causing dead birds to pile up throughout the vital bird habitat.

18 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Becky Bruce

Avalanche danger to remain “considerable” across Utah, forecaster says

Forecasters expect "considerable" avalanche danger for at least a couple more days, after an active weekend for slides.

1 day ago

Fresh snow in Franklin Basin on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Search and rescue teams are searching for...

Kennedy Camarena

14-year-old snowmobiler found after overnight search

Search and rescue teams are searching for a young snowmobiler who went missing while with his family and friends.

1 day ago

Respiratory illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are on the rise across the U.S....

Michelle Lee

Simple ways to keep respiratory illnesses away

Let’s Get Moving Host Maria Shilaos spoke with Nicole Henry with CVS to learn what we can do to protect ourselves from respiratory illnesses.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Snow Leopard Cubs at Utah’s Hogle Zoo now ready for visitors