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Marwell:
(www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/explore/animal-stars/snow-leopards)
Snow Leopards at Marwell
Snow leopards are perfectly adapted to the snow covered mountains of central and southern Asia.
Our Roof of the World exhibit close to Tropical World will give you a sense of this terrain.
Designed to mimic the snow leopards’ natural habitat, it contains several caves and hides and is also planted with rhododendrons and alpine meadow plants similar to those found in the Himalayas.
We lay various scents throughout the enclosure to stimulate the snow leopards’ sense of smell which range from herbs, spices & essential oils to new branches, faeces or urine stained bedding from prey species. Even washing up liquid bubbles spark their interest.
Marwell has had snow leopards as part of its animal collection for 33 years and throughout this time they have bred well, producing many cubs for the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP). Our current pair has had two sets of cubs - two in 2011 and two in 2013.
Snow leopard adaptations include thick, insulating fur and an incredibly long tail – up to 1 metre in length! This balances the leopard when jumping across rocks and also wraps around the body and face to create extra warmth when the animal is resting. Their dappled grey coat gives excellent camouflage against rocks and snow – perfect when sneaking up on prey.
SNOW LEOPARD (uncia uncia)
Schneeleopard | Léopard des neiges | Leopardo delle nevi.
Djamila is a real beauty!
©Photo by MADELEINE BIANCHI of SKATETRIX SPORT COMPANY