AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo is welcoming three snowy owlets, hatched in early July.

The owlets’ parents, Frost and Cirrus, are busy caring for their baby birds, with the family living in private bedrooms in the zoo’s Garden View Place building, zoo officials said in a release.

The owlets’ genders are unknown as staff is “hands off,” the zoo said.

Snowy owls are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List as being vulnerable to extinction.

As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Akron Zoo participates in 49 Species Survival Plans, including a plan for snowy owls.

The owlets' genders are unknown for now. (Courtesy of Akron Zoo)

SSPs are breeding plans that AZA-accredited zoos around the world partner on to ensure genetic diversity in endangered and vulnerable species.

Akron Zoo President & CEO Doug Piekarz said the zoo is excited to welcome the baby owls.

“Cirrus and Frost are doing an incredible job caring for the owlets,” he said. “These hatchings are a major celebration for the future of snowy owls and increasing their populations. I am proud of my staff for helping to create a welcoming environment for Frost and Cirrus to expand their family.”

For now, the zoo plans to allow the snowy owl family privacy and will share updates on the baby owls on social media.

 For more information, visit the Akron Zoo website or call 330-375-2550.