The Chicago region’s net cuteness level just rose several notches. Brookfield Zoo on Friday released photographs of its two new baby snow leopard cubs, born June 16 at the west suburban animal park.
While the female cubs are currently off exhibit “bonding with their mother,” said the zoo in a news release, updates on their progress can be seen via Brookfield’s Facebook page and website. Mom is the 4-year-old Sarani, who arrived in October 2011 from Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
The cubs, members of an endangered species with fewer than 6,500 members remaining in the wild, are expected to go on public display in mid-October. People will then be able to verify that the animals’ eyes really are that sparkling and not some trick of photography or contact lenses.