Snow Leopard sisters move from Melbourne to Wellington Zoo

A pair of rare Snow Leopards have arrived at Wellington Zoo with visitors now able to view them in a brand-new habitat.

Sisters Asha and Manju have come from Melbourne Zoo where they were born as part of a scientifically managed international breeding programme.

They now reside in a $6 million habitat specially designed for them with construction taking about 18 months to complete.

Zoo Chief Executive Karen Fifield said the build was affected by major slips due to terrible weather and other setbacks.

Hundreds of slips came down across the city last year when Wellington experienced its wettest winter on record.

Fifield stated “However, we know our community will agree we have built Asha and Manju a fantastic new space in the Zoo, of which we are very proud.

“We have considered how the Snow Leopards like to play, cool off, eat, have time apart from each other and ensure all their animal care and welfare needs are met.”

Classed as vulnerable in the wild, Snow Leopards get their name from the colour of their fur and prefer steep rocky habitats rather than snowy ones.

Snow Leopards can leap up to 9 metres thanks to their powerful back legs which help them jump and climb up mountains. They can’t roar, and instead they yowl, growl, mew and chuff.

Fifield said visitors might be surprised at the size of the big cats, adding “they only weigh approximately 30 kilograms and are considerably smaller than the Lions and Sumatran Tigers we care for at the Zoo. They’re all fluff and tails!”

Animal Science Manager Simon Eyre said staff from Wellington Zoo have spent time at Melbourne Zoo with the Snow Leopards.

Eyra noted “collaboration is important to ensure positive animal welfare for the Snow Leopards.”

There are thought to be fewer than 7000 Snow Leopards remaining in their natural habiats, although it’s difficult to know the exact number as they are so elusive. Threats they face include human conflict, habitat reduction, and climate change.

Image: Snow Leopards Asha and Manju have arrived at Wellington Zoo. Credit: Zoos Victoria.