ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — Sand cat Sahara and mate Cosmo welcomed two kittens Feb. 26 at the North Carolina Zoo — and the newborns are already visible to guests.
The North Carolina Zoo announced the births on Facebook on March 20, writing that the kittens joined mother Sahara and her mate Cosmo on habitat in the Desert Dome for the first time March 19. While their eyes are open, the kittens are still spending most of their time sleeping and nursing, with only brief wobbly walks close to mom.
The birth marks Sahara and Cosmo’s second litter together. The pair previously produced three kittens — Amir, Cleo and Jabari — in 2023. Cosmo was featured on National Geographic’s “Secret of the Zoo: North Carolina” alongside former mate Najma, whose daughter Layla’s birth was documented on the program.
Names have not yet been chosen for the two newest arrivals, and it is too early to determine their sexes.
Sand cats are among the world’s smallest felines, weighing just 4 to 8 pounds. Despite their wide-eyed, big-eared appearance, zookeepers describe them as wild and ferocious hunters capable of killing venomous snakes — and not suitable as pets.
The North Carolina Zoo is asking guests to be courteous and respectful to one another and the new sand cat family. Visitors are encouraged to limit time at individual viewing areas and share available spaces to allow others a chance to quietly observe. The North Carolina Zoo also discourages tapping, knocking or touching the glass at any habitat, including in the Desert Dome, as it can be disruptive to animals and affect their visibility.
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