Woodland Park Zoo Snow Leopard Moving to Kansas

Snow leopards Gobi and Batu explore their exhibit for the first time at 3 months old. Photo credit: Ryan Hawk/Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo is sending Gobi east at the recommendation of the Snow Leopard Species Survival Program, a cooperative breeding program that makes sure zoo's animal populations have genetic diversity. Batu will likely move to a zoo in Winnipeg a few months from now.

The twin snow leopards have been a hit at the zoo since they were born in May 2009. But according to curator Jennifer Pramuk, “Snow leopards are essentially solitary animals and typically leave their mothers to live alone at about 18 months old."

Conservation scientists estimate there are about 3,500 of these moderately large cats remaining in the wild. Gobi makes his move April 7, so head to the zoo (hours, directions etc. here) and see him while you can. You can also check out Amy's interview from last year on the snow leopard cubs and conservation efforts.