Adorable snow leopard cub learning to walk again after being born with splayed legs
AN ADORABLE snow leopard cub born with splayed legs is undergoing intensive physical therapy to help him learn how to walk. The six-week-old cub was born with defects which affected its eyes and chest and caused him to develop noticeably splayed rear legs.
The abnormal growth, known as swimmers syndrome in cats and dogs, means the cub has mobility issues and is currently undergoing therapy to correct the defect.
Cute footage shows the tiny male, born at Sacramento Zoo in California on May 6 to mum-of-one Misha, five, taking his wobbly baby steps.
Experts use a rubber harness to lift its hips and provide support to help the cub position its rear legs beneath him while walking.
The cub is then placed onto surfaces with good traction, such as grass or high-friction rubber flooring, to help it get grip.
We are so happy with the progress we have seen thus far, and we are continuing to reevaluate the cub's needs so that he succeeds in this journey
The treatment is part of a plan crafted by the zoo in conjunction with specialists from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine to treat the cub.
The regime, which consists of three therapy sessions a day, was specially developed to ensure the cub maintains a positive relationship with its mother.
Erin Dougher, one of the cub's primary zookeepers, said: "We are so happy with the progress we have seen thus far, and we are continuing to reevaluate the cub's needs so that he succeeds in this journey.
"Watching him gain confidence and progress in his daily sessions has been a really rewarding experience."
In addition to his mobility issues, the cub also has eyelid birth defects which may require surgery as he gets older, the zoo said.
These abnormalities are a known issue for some snow leopards under human care, but preliminary examinations show they are most likely treatable.
Sacramento Zoo participates in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan by following breeding recommendations and increasing awareness of the problems facing this species.
Snow leopards are under threat due to hunting, loss of prey and the destruction of their habitat.