2 Jaguar Cubs Born at Elmwood Park Zoo

NORRISTOWN, PA -- A pair of jaguar cubs were born at the Elmwood Park Zoo last week, staff announced on Tuesday morning.

The zoo's female jaguar, Inka, gave birth to the two cubs on January 24, according to zookeepers. The birth was a surprise, officials said.

The zoo's male jaguar, Zean, is the father. The pair met for the first time on October 12, 2016. Inka began to show aggression toward Zean on October 14, so the pair were separated.

"The chances for a successful conception were slim for a couple of "first-timers," which is why the birth came as somewhat of a surprise," zoo officials said.

Elmwood Park is currently working on a new exhibit that will house the jaguars. The "Trail of the Jaguar," slated to open this spring,

The birth of the cubs represents the first birth of jaguar cubs in 2017 in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility.

A gender reveal event for the cubs will be held on Friday, Feb. 3 at noon.

Jaguars are considered a "near-threatened" species in the wild.

Images courtesy Elmwood Park Zoo