Snow Leopard Pass & the Cub House

Now Open!

Located near Tiger Taiga, the new snow leopard habitat will be sure to wow you! This new space offers our male snow leopards, Kimti and Meru, and female snow leopard, NeeCee, an engaging new environment.

The new habitat will transport you to a small Himalayan village in Nepal and provide information about the elusive snow leopard — plus you’ll learn how villagers are striving to live in balance with the snow leopard to support conservation of the species.

Cats can be elusive, and snow leopards are masters of camouflage, able to bound up to 50 feet in one jump. Visit often to spot the snow leopard among the talus rock slope; you may even spot a cat bounding from rock to rock!

You are most likely to spot lounging leopards in the lower exhibit area shaded cave and on the upper viewing shaded window ledge (just walk up the stairs that also leads to Tiger Taiga to get the best vantage point for a snow leopard and an Amur tiger.)

During the heat of the summer, several areas in the exhibit provide shady areas with chilled rocks for the cats to enjoy. Under these select rocky areas, cooling units are housed that are checked daily. Several misters are also provided for the cats. Keepers monitor the cats throughout the day, especially in the summer. As with any new exhibit, enhancements are routine as animals acclimate, and in this case, will include an added shade cloth.

The Cub House

The “village” also includes an early-learning play space, The Cub House, presented by PNC, open on weekends, when classes and camps are not in session.  A “closed” sign on the Cub House door refers to the classroom only and not the main exhibit lower and upper viewing areas.

This adjoining early-childhood education program space connects young people to animals, habitats, cultures and group activities in a child-centered stimulating environment. Early learners will have the opportunity to participate in programs that enhance their observation, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, leading to a stronger desire and interest to learn and ultimately a better future for all.

This expansion was made possible through the supporters of our Leadership Capital Campaign.

Learn more about the Zoo’s future exhibit plans here.