Jaguar cubs born at Milwaukee zoo bring new genes

[joeybee12]

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/487onnmXPWeRKZvzpVOUjw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD04MTQ7cT03OTt3PTEzODQ-/

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/4pFJItggA062PUNmOfF6aQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Y2g9MjEwMDtjcj0xO2N3PTMwMDA7ZHg9MDtkeT0wO2ZpPXVsY3JvcDtoPTQ0MTtxPTg1O3c9NjMw/

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Two jaguar cubs are providing more than just cooing fans for Milwaukee's zoo. The spotted brothers are introducing new genes to the endangered species' captive population because unlike most zoo babies, their father was born in the wild.

The blue-eyed cubs, born Nov. 13, don't officially have names just yet, but keepers at the Milwaukee County Zoo are calling them "Gaps" and "Dots," due to the markings on their heads.

Stacey Johnson, coordinator of the jaguar species survival plan for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, said it is rare for zoos' reproductive programs to have access to animals born in the wild.

"They are bringing in a new inflow of genes that will help sustain the population over next 100 years," Johnson said.

http://news.yahoo.com/jaguar-cubs-born-milwaukee-zoo-bring-genes-082852686.html

Had to post mainly because those photos are so adorable!

[GoCubsGo]

1. Thanks for posting!

There is also a link to watch them on the web cams.

[joeybee12]

2. I know...I could spend all day watching them! nt

[forestpath]

3. OMG, they are so cute!

[joeybee12]

4. They are...I want to hug them both...BUT

Look how long their claws are already shortly after birth!

[MadrasT]

5. Even baby housecats are born with claws.

It blows me away every time. Teeny tiny itty bitty claws.

These guys are *so* cute!!!

[joeybee12]

6. I know...my kittens always used them...but they were so small

you really didn't feel anything...these guys, though, those look like claws for a full grown housecat already...and those can do some damage!