Sarani the snow leopard first poked her head out to see if it was safe, then let her 3-month-old son take a few steps Wednesday September 18, 2013, making his public debut at the Brookfield Zoo.

The 15-pound snow leopard cub — the zoo’s first cub in 21 years — has been in a holding area with his mother for three months, allowing zoo staff to make sure Sarani felt secure about her baby. (Chicago Sun Times)