Snow Leopard Cub Born At Sioux Falls Zoo After 21 Years

There has been a lot of baby fever happening at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly House & Aquarium.

If you haven't heard the exciting news, staff at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly House & Aquarium proudly welcomed a new snow leopard to their zoo pack on Friday, May 23rd.

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Staff at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly House & Aquarium made this exciting announcement during the annual Zoofari Party, benefitting all of our furry animal friends. The video staff posted of the new addition on Facebook is just adorable, too!

Truly, this precious angel is a "bundle of joy!" This is the first snow leopard born at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly House & Aquarium in 21 years! Staff are extremely proud of parents Denali and Strut.

Right now, Denali is bonding with her new cub, and they aren't in public viewing spaces yet. However, staff at the Great Plains Zoo have been sharing updates about Denali and her cub. The newest update? We finally know the gender of the new cub! The new dad, Strut, had the honor of revealing the cub's gender to the Sioux Empire.

Baby Snow Leopard is a....GIRL!

Yep! Strut is officially a "Girl Dad."

We’re thrilled to share that our 7-week-old female snow leopard cub is healthy, growing fast, and reaching all her milestones. She’s still bonding with mom behind the scenes, but stay tuned for her big debut!

I know the Sioux Empire can't wait to finally meet the cutest baby girl at the Great Plains Zoo soon!

Congratulations to new parents Denali and Strut and everyone at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo & Butterfly House & Aquarium!

South Dakota's Weird Exotic Animal Laws Are Amazing

Have an interesting pet or looking to get one? Check this out from South Dakota Exotic Animal Laws before you go trying to adopt one.

You will need a zoo permit to harbor a raccoon dog. That's a real species. It's a small wild dog with a black facial mask and long fur, native to the forests of Asia.

Gallery Credit: Danny V

From Frybread to Pheasants - Here are South Dakota's Official State Things

Every state in our nation has chosen things that represent the state in one way or another to be official state things. Like a flower, or animal. South Dakota is no different.

The Mount Rushmore has a state flower. But did you know we also have a state tree and a state fish? Yes, we even have a state code.

Here is what we have so far in Wyoming. Thanks to the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office for the info: