The largest zoo in Minnesota is now home to two male orphaned puma cubs, and they are already making a big cat impression.

To ring in the New Year, the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minnesota introduced Blizzard and Snow to the Minnesota Zoo family. They're just 6-months-old and they're ready for a Minnesota adventure!

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Blizzard and Snow were rescued by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in November of 2024. Their mother abandoned them in the wild and they couldn't survive on their own. Luckily, zoo officials with the Minnesota Zoo had enough space to provide them with a permanent home. Thanks to the officials at the Minnesota Zoo, Blizzard and Snow now have a better chance at life.

These young puma cubs will give the Minnesota Zoo community so much joy after losing their 'beloved' pair of pumas just last year.

The Minnesota Zoo has four decades of experience caring for pumas. Most recently, we had the honor of being the home of another pair of male pumas, also rescued in the state of Washington. Sequim and Landslide were beloved ambassadors since arriving at the Zoo in 2017. (Last photo) Earlier this year, we lost both to ongoing health issues. As we continue to mourn their loss, it holds very special meaning to again join the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife in saving two orphaned pumas.

It's kind of hard to tell which one is Blizzard and which is Snow. Here's a tip from the Minnesota Zoo: Snow has a darker spot of fur on his forehead.

Blizzard and Snow are still adjusting to their new environments. Zoo patrons at Minnesota Zoo can meet the newest big cats now as they continue to explore their new home. Additional details about the Minnesota Zoo's new additions can be found here.

Welcome to the Minnesota Zoo, Blizzard and Snow!

10 Most Obscure Minnesota Towns

As you are making road-trip plans you might want to see if you can even find some of these Minnesota towns.

Minnesota is the Land Of 10,000 Lakes and 853 towns. Even if you know the state well I'll bet you haven't even heard of Minnesota's 10 smallest towns.

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis

Detour Dining: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants You Must Try in South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa

Beyond the well-traveled tourist paths, there’s a whole different world of food exploration throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. From tiny restaurants in historic towns serving up generations-old recipes to small town dive bars that not only have cheap, cold beer, but unique and unexpected homemade dishes.

We’ve created an exploration of off-the-beaten path restaurants nestled in the charming landscapes of the tri-state area. Take a detour from the ordinary and discover the extraordinary flavors as you travel the roads not-so-often traveled. 



Gallery Credit: Karla Brown / Townsquare Media