Probably not 10-15 square meters. Taking another look at the picture and taking another guess I´d be willing to say 30-40 square meters, depending on "how deep it is" (can´t find the correct English expression as I write, but you know what I mean?).
But again: do you seriously believe that an "off-exhibit" space would be any better than the one that is shown to the visitors? From what I get from the zoo professionals here at ZooChat, that is most often not the case - TO PUT IT MILDLY.
I'm not saying that it is. Once again, I'm sure the total space is inadequate, but it is always best to have more information than can be shown in a single photograph taken from a visitor's perspective. I myself would like to know what the totality of the facility is like.
Im guessing it most likely has some sort of off-exhibit space (As isn't it required by AZA standards for a big cat?) I still think this is the WORST snow leopard exhibit in America
Having been to Cincinnati 3 or 4 times to photograph the cats, I think I can provide some input. Yes, there is an outdoor area connected to this exhibit. No, it is not really any bigger than what you see here. Based on the design of the building, I do not believe there is any other holding area - I think they just switch between inside and outside for cleaning.
There is a basement for staff only which I believe sometimes houses off-exhibit small cats, but I don't think there's room down there for snow leopards. The fact that this could happen in America is not shocking, what is shocking is that it is in an AZA-accredited zoo. (As I said before, an otherwise pretty good zoo). Hopefully their planned new cat canyon and cat house redesign will move the snow leopards out of this building.
Thanks, that is the kind of information I was looking for. The plans I've seen for the new exhibit look very nice. It will be good to have this facility updated.
