A young female snow leopard named Suri has made her way from Germany to Warsaw and will now join Jamir, the resident male, in the zoo.
According to the zoo's announcement, Suri was born in August 2021 at the Leipzig zoo and arrived in Warsaw in mid-May.
Initially, Suri preferred to stay in the comfort of her sleeping area, hesitant to venture outside. However, with the dedicated efforts of her caring keepers, she has now gradually started exploring the outdoor enclosure, PAP reported.
Although she expertly conceals herself amidst the foliage, with a bit of luck, visitors might catch a glimpse of her.
Patience and calmness are key, as they increase the chances of spotting this elusive creature.
In its natural habitat, this master of camouflage, often referred to as the "Ghost of the Mountains" by Mongolians, is exceptionally challenging to observe.
It possesses the remarkable ability to see without being seen, rendering it virtually invisible to the human eye. Its cream-coloured fur adorned with dark spots allows it to seamlessly blend into the rocky landscapes that surround it.
Despite Suri's charming and non-aggressive demeanor at present, her keepers told PAP that her true nature, including her claws, will likely reveal itself as she settles into her new habitat alongside Jamir.
Despite its endearing fluffy appearance, the snow leopard, commonly known as the ounce, is a formidable predator and the closest relative of the tiger within the feline family.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the current population of adult snow leopards in their natural habitats—spanning the Himalayas, Tibetan Plateau, and Central Asian mountains—is estimated to range from 2,700 to 3,400.
In zoos worldwide, there are approximately 600 snow leopards, PAP reported.
(mo/gs)
Source: PAP