Snow leopard cub born at Great Plains Zoo

There’s an adorable new addition at the Great Plains Zoo.

A snow leopard cub was born May 23 to mom Denali, the zoo announced today.

Denali arrived in Sioux Falls in 2024 on a breeding recommendation with Strut, the zoo’s male snow leopard. Both are first-time parents.

Denali and her cub

This is the first snow leopard cub born on the Great Plains Zoo campus in 21 years.

The cub’s sex will not be known until a checkup with the zoo’s veterinarian.

“Denali has been an attentive, caring mother,” according to a statement from the zoo.

“She and the cub are spending crucial bonding time in a private den. Guests can see Strut on exhibit most days, but it will be several weeks before Denali and the cub will be viewable to the public.”

The zoo will announce once mother and cub are available to view.

“Denali successfully giving birth to a healthy cub is a very special success story for zoo staff, specifically the snow leopard keepers,” said Angie Blommer, carnivore area supervisor.

“It’s impossible to keep the snow leopard population healthy or sustainable without cub births, so every birth is very, very important for the future. Knowing that we’re successfully helping their population, as well as bringing joy to our staff and visitors who will watch it grow up, is very special for us,” Blommer said. “Denali is a phenomenal first-time mother, and I am very, very proud to watch her care for her cub so well.”

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