| Size |
They can reach about two feet at the shoulder. |
| Weight |
Snow leopards can weigh between 55 and 150 pounds |
| Conservation Status |
On the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the snow leopard is listed as Endangered. |
| Diet |
Snow leopards will eat anything they can catch; however, their primary prey in the wild are ungulates such as ibex and deer. At the Zoo, their diet includes a commercial meat mix, solid beef, beef long bones and beef half shank bones the diet is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of each animal. These cats are offered shank bones more frequently than other cats in the Zoo; the secretive, elusive nature of this species requires a specialized feeding strategy. The shank bones are a favorite food so they are used to reward the cats for coming in at night. |
| Geographic Range |
Wild snow leopards can be found throughout much of central Asia, though the actual territory it inhabits is small. Snow leopards live in pine forests and mountain steppes reaching elevations as high as 19,000 feet.
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| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Bank of America Big Cat Falls |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
A snow leopard's fur, which provides protection from the extreme cold of its mountainous habitat, is a soft grayish color with yellow brown fur along its flank and a lighter white fur on its belly, chest and chin. It has a dark strip which runs along its back. The rest of its coat is spotted with solid circles and rosettes.
The limbs of this cat are relatively small compared to the rest of its body. The leopard also has a long, thick tail that helps it balance while walking through the snowy terrain, jumping across rocky areas and climbing in trees.
Longevity
Snow leopards can live up to 21 years in zoos.
Reproduction
Between the months of January and March, snow leopards will pair off in order to mate. Once the male and female have mated, the leopards return to their solitary lives. When attracting a mate they let out a slight moan and individuals greet each other with quiet "chuffing" sounds. The male usually pairs with the female only once and has no role in the rearing of the cubs.
The female's pregnancy, which lasts approximately 100 days, results in the birth of between one and five. The cubs are born in rocky shelters lined with their mother's fur in order to provide warmth and protection. At birth, the cubs weigh between 11 and 20 ounces and are blind for the first seven days of life. After two months, they begin to eat solid food; after three months they begin to accompany their mother on hunting trips. The young stay with their mother for about 18 to 22 months and will reach sexual maturity at the age of two.
Behavior
Snow leopards are mostly nocturnal, doing most of their hunting right before sunrise and at twilight. Snow leopards often stalk prey while remaining close to the ground, utilizing the natural protection of the rocky terrain. Once the cat has its prey in sight, it pounces on the victim and will generally revisit large carcasses over a period of three to four days.
Snow leopards will leave trails of markings to identify their territory and to keep in contact with other familiar leopards. Unlike other large species of cats, the snow leopard generally keeps its distance from humans and often does not attack humans unless provoked.
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Amga & Gala: Male littermates born May 28, 2005 at Denver Zoological Gardens in Colorado. Arrived at the Zoo on April 18, 2006.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
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Fun Facts
Snow leopards cannot roar like other big cats, such as tigers or lions. If you listen carefully, they can be heard purring.
The snow leopard is considered to be the least aggressive of the big cats and rarely attacks humans.
The snow leopard is an excellent jumper--it can jump anywhere between 20 and 50 feet while hunting and attacking its prey.
Since snow leopards live in high altitudes they generally like to hide in the highest corners of their exhibits.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
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