Animal Gallery
Snow Leopard |
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Snow Leopards are born blind, like domestic cats, and their eyes open when they are around 9 days old. They can live up to 15 years, and can weigh anywhere between 25 – 75kg (55 – 165 lbs).
A cushion of hair acts as a snowshoe over the paws of Snow Leopards by increasing the surface area of the paw in contact with the snow. Their densely furred tail aids Snow Leopards in maintaining their balance and also provides them with extra warmth when they wrap it around their face. Snow Leopards have superb jumping ability and can pounce on prey from distances of up to 15 m (45 ft). They can also jump vertically to heights of 6 m (20 ft). The pelts of Snow Leopards are considered a trophy and poaching for their fur continues to be a threat to the existence of the species. An international Snow Leopard Trust was established in 1981 to provide protection to the species. |
Did you know?
The loose belly fur on a Snow Leopard allows them to be kicked by prey with little chance of injury. At the Zoo -
We have two Snow Leopards, a female called Sherri and a male named Dimitri. |
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