An unusual and remarkable event occurred at the Thomas Belt Zoo in Juigalpa, Nicaragua, with the birth of a rare albino puma cub, a first for Central America.
This unique cub, sporting a snow-white coat and a pink nose, has quickly become the focal point of attention.
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According to zoo veterinarian Carlos Molina, this cub is one of only four albino pumas worldwide, making its arrival a significant occurrence.
Photos shared by the zoo show the unnamed cub snuggled up alongside its two siblings, who have more typical beige coats with spots.
While the albino cub is healthy and feeding well, it is particularly sensitive to sunlight, so extra care is provided.
Albino pumas require specialized treatment due to their condition. To ensure the cub’s well-being, the zoo has placed it and its siblings in a protected enclosure designed to reduce stress for their mother.
The setup prevents her from becoming confused or perceiving human scents as dangerous to her offspring.
The cub’s father, the zoo’s male puma, is being kept separately. This precaution is necessary because male pumas sometimes exhibit territorial behaviors that could endanger their young.
The genders of the newborns have not yet been confirmed, and zoo staff are avoiding handling the cubs to minimize disturbance.
Once the cubs reach three months old, the zoo plans to introduce them to visitors, allowing the public to observe these majestic creatures up close.
Thomas Belt Zoo, which welcomes between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors annually, plays an important role in wildlife education and conservation.
The puma, a species with a broad range that extends from southern Peru’s Andes to Central American forests, has faced challenges due to habitat loss. Preserving these resilient yet vulnerable animals remains a key zoo mission priority.
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