CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Park & Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two new snow leopards, continuing its longstanding participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Asha, a 1-year-old female from the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Valens, a 7-year-old male from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, are settling into their new surroundings.
The pair has been recommended as a future breeding pair through the SSP, a cooperative program among accredited zoos
that helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species.
With fewer than 10,000 snow leopards estimated to remain in the wild, Asha and Valens’ potential contribution to the program supports ongoing conservation efforts.
October 23 is International Snow Leopard Day, proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness of the species often called the “ghost of the mountains” and the threats it faces, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
The Cape May County Zoo has a distinguished history with the species. In the early 2010s, breeding pair Vijay and Himani produced seven cubs across multiple litters, making them one of the most successful pairs in captivity at the time.
Their offspring contributed important genetics to the SSP and brought national attention to the zoo’s conservation work.
Later, Bataar (who arrived in 2015 as the first snow leopard in the zoo’s new habitat) successfully produced cubs with his first mate, Tysa, before she was transferred on a breeding recommendation.
Bataar and Maliha, who passed away earlier this year, were popular ambassadors often seen sunbathing together. The zoo coordinated with the SSP following their loss to bring in a new recommended pair.
“Asha and Valens represent the next chapter in the Cape May County Zoo’s proud snow leopard conservation story,” said Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, liaison to the Cape May County Park and Zoo. “Building on the remarkable breeding success of animals like Vijay, Himani and Bataar, we are honored to welcome this new pair as part of the Species Survival Plan. On this International Snow Leopard Day, we are proud to play a role in protecting the future of these incredible ‘ghosts of the mountains’ for generations to come.”
Asha is currently visible to zoo visitors, with temporary barriers in place to give her time and space to adjust to her new habitat. Valens is settling into life on the East Coast in a habitat not currently viewable by guests. Staff are carefully monitoring both animals as they acclimate.
The Cape May County Zoo remains committed to education, conservation, and free admission for the community. For more information, visit the county’s website or follow the zoo on social media.