KOBE -- Twin male and female jaguar cubs were born in Kobe Oji Zoo in this west Japan city's Nada Ward on Aug. 18, the zoo announced on Aug. 26. A public debut for the young animals is not expected for about three months.

       Born to mother Nelia, 3, and father Atos, 11, the cubs and the mama jaguar are being kept in a room away from public display. Both have a black coat like their dad, but apparently their spots, like Nelia's whose yellow coat has black spots, are slightly visible.

       On Aug. 25, the male cub weighed 1.6 kilograms and the female 1.4 kg. While the pair sleep for extended periods of time, Nelia does come and give them milk when they squeak as if to indicate hunger.

       A zookeeper in charge of the jaguars said, "Nelia is aware of her role as a mother and takes care of them. They are growing well."

       The zoo plans to keep Nelia and her cubs away from the public for about three months so that she can concentrate on raising them in a calm environment. It said it will decide on their names in a visitors' vote to be held after their public debut.

       (Japanese original by Shinya Yamamoto, Kobe Bureau)

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