Snow Leopard
Panthera uncia
Here at Banham Zoo
Come and meet our pair of snow leopards, Aurora and Shen. Aurora is the smaller of the two, making her easy to identify. These stunning big cats have long, thick tails up to a metre in length which helps them balance when leaping across rocky mountain ridges. You can often see them demonstrating this skill as they climb the mountains in their Banham Zoo habitat.
Did you know? Snow leopards don't just use their tails for balance; they also wrap them around their faces like a scarf to keep warm in the freezing mountain temperatures!
Where Do I Live?
Central Asia
Snow leopards live in the high mountains of central Asia and the Himalayas, in coniferous forest scrub.
What Do I Eat?
Snow leopards are carnivores feeding mainly on wild sheep and goats. They will hunt alone covering a large territory of up to 100 km2.
How Do I Breed?
They are solitary except during the breeding season. After a pregnancy of around 3+ months, cubs are born in a well-concealed den. The female rears them alone.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Vulnerable (VU)
High risk of endangerment in the wild.
Snow leopards are threatened in the wild by habitat loss and hunting for trade. As their prey availability is also decreasing, snow leopards can come into conflict with humans as they sometimes hunt livestock.
Snow Leopard Experience
Join one of our expert carnivore keepers for an unforgettable 30-minute encounter with our elusive and majestic snow leopards.
Find Out More
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Snow Leopard
located?
Our
Snow Leopard
is located in our
Cat Zone
, map reference
1
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
