Two new snow leopards have arrived at the Cape May County Park & Zoo, continuing the facility’s long involvement in protecting and breeding the vulnerable species.
The zoo introduced Asha and Valens on Friday, Oct. 23, in recognition of International Snow Leopard Day.
Asha is a 1-year-old female transferred from the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Valens, a 7-year-old male, arrived from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan has recommended the animals as a future breeding pair. The cooperative program helps accredited zoos maintain healthy and genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered animals.
Asha is currently visible to visitors, although temporary barriers have been installed to give her additional space while she becomes comfortable in her new surroundings. Valens is adjusting to his new home in an area that is not yet open for public viewing. Zoo employees are monitoring both animals as they settle in.
Their arrival marks a new chapter in the Cape May County Zoo’s successful snow leopard program.
During the early 2010s, Vijay and Himani produced seven cubs in several litters and became one of the most successful snow leopard breeding pairs in captivity at the time. Their offspring added valuable genetics to the Species Survival Plan and brought national attention to the zoo’s conservation work.
Bataar, who arrived in 2015 as the first snow leopard to live in the zoo’s newer habitat, later produced cubs with Tysa before she was transferred to another facility following a breeding recommendation.
Bataar and Maliha, another pair that became popular with visitors, died earlier this year. Zoo officials then worked with the Species Survival Plan to bring Asha and Valens to Cape May County.
“Asha and Valens represent the next chapter in the Cape May County Zoo’s proud snow leopard conservation story,” said Cape May County Commissioner Vice Director Andrew Bulakowski, the board’s liaison to the zoo.
Snow leopards are classified as vulnerable, with fewer than 10,000 mature animals estimated to remain in the wild. Their population is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, climate change and conflicts with people and livestock.
Sometimes called “ghosts of the mountains,” snow leopards live across the rugged mountain regions of Central and South Asia. Their thick coats, wide paws and long tails help them survive in cold, steep terrain.
International Snow Leopard Day is observed annually on Oct. 23 to increase awareness of the species and the conservation efforts intended to protect it.
The Cape May County Park & Zoo is located at 707 Route 9 North in Cape May Court House. Admission is free.
