Elmwood Jaguar Cub Update: Growing and Happy

NORRISTOWN, PA -- A few weeks have passed since the surprise birth of jaguar twins at Norristown's Elmwood Park Zoo. How are the furry little fellows making out?

The twins, who were revealed to be a boy and a girl during a "gender reveal" party at the zoo last week, are continuing to "grow and learn" with each passing day, zoo officials said.

The cubs have not yet been named, but you can tell them apart: the female has a lighter nose and cresent shaped markings on her head, while the male has a darker nose and a trident shaped marking on the bridge of his nose.

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

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

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

Image by Kate Olsen courtesy of Elmwood Park Zoo