Two Cubs of Rare and Vulnerable Snow Leopard Born at Darjeeling Zoo

By Sheetal Kumari | May 20, 2025

Two Rare and Vulnerable Snow Leopard Cubs Born at Darjeeling Zoo

he Darjeeling Zoo is proud to welcome two precious snow leopard cubs, another achievement in its conservation mission.

Snow Leopard Cubs

(Image: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park)

The cubs were born to female leopard Rare and male Namka at off-display conservation centre Togbey Danra.

Born to Rare and Namka

(Representative Image: Canva)

The cubs are being raised at the moment at Togbey Danra, situated around 20 km from Darjeeling.

Housed in a Special Facility

(Representative Image: Canva)

The zoo presently shelters the largest captive population of snow leopards in the world—seven females, four males, and the two cubs.

World Leaders

(Representative Image: Canva)

Snow leopard breeding programme of the zoo commenced in 1985, with the first birth in 1987.

A Breeding Programme

(Representative Image: Canva)

In 2007, the zoo was designated as the coordinating centre for snow leopard breeding in India.

ndia’s Coordinating Zoo

(Representative Image: Canva)

Breeding pairs are chosen from geographically and internationally diverse regions and countries to ensure a broad genetic pool.

Focus on Genetic Diversity

(Representative Image: Canva)

he five-hectare centre has dry, mountainous enclosures that replicate the natural habitat of the snow leopard.

Naturalistic Enclosures

(Representative Image: Canva)

Leopards in late pregnancy are monitored 24/7 under CCTV, with frequent health checks and extra attention after birth.

Round-the-Clock Monitoring

(Representative Image: Canva)

IUCN has categorized snow leopards as ‘vulnerable’. There are only 4,000–7,500 of them in the world. Each birth is precious.

Boost for Vulnerable Species

(Image: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park)

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