Two new snow leopards make their debut at the Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo debuted two snow leopard cubs to the public on Tuesday.

The zoo says the cubs were born to 3-year-old mother Georgina and 5-year-old father Fred. The male and female cubs are the first offspring for the adult snow leopards who were paired together in July 2015 as a part of a species survival plan.

The siblings spent several months behind the scenes bonding with their mother and getting to know the animal care staff. At 4 months old, the cubs have gained enough strength and coordination to navigate their outdoor habitat and make their public debut.

“We’re so excited to welcome these cubs,” said Stephanie Zielinski, animal keeper at the Los Angeles Zoo. “There is less known about these beautiful cats than most of the other large cat species due to the extreme habitat snow leopards have evolved to live in the wild. This is why it’s such an honor to be able to educate the public and give them the opportunity to observe this elusive species here in Los Angeles.”

The zoo says there is an estimated 2,000 to 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild.