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Jodea

Snow leopards enclosure

  • Media owner Jodea
  • Date added
Quite small, but still the best snow leopard enclosure I've seen. Located on a natural hillside. The leopards can be quite hard to spot, as you can see the park has provided the visitors with a binocular to make it easier to see them properly.
Photo taken: 4th July 2009
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Dan
I see, thanks Jodea!

I look forward to more of your pictures from Nordens Ark (as you mentioned in a thread in the forums).
 
snowleopard
It just goes to show how zoos such as RSCC, Cleveland and even Denver have disgustingly inadequate snow leopard exhibits. Then there is sheer brilliance such as Zurich, Bronx and Nordens to counter the crappy enclosures of the zoo world. Bravo!
 
Dan
Just another question with regard to this extremely interesting photograph. On even closer inspection - using the "show bigger picture-show the original-and then clicking the +-button"-functions, I notice that most or possibly all of the trees are protected by metal drums to keep the cats from climbing them.

Might this be unneccessary? Are snow leopards just as prone to climbing trees as other leopards? I would assume that there are not many trees in their natural habitats?

Comments on this, anyone?
 
J
Dan said:
Just another question with regard to this extremely interesting photograph. On even closer inspection - using the "show bigger picture-show the original-and then clicking the +-button"-functions, I notice that most or possibly all of the trees are protected by metal drums to keep the cats from climbing them.

Might this be unneccessary? Are snow leopards just as prone to climbing trees as other leopards? I would assume that there are not many trees in their natural habitats?

Comments on this, anyone?
Click to expand...

Might be a preventative measure - stop the leopards climbing and maybe escaping. Doesn't seem fair on the leopards tho - they should be allowed to climb and the zoo should just make sure the fencing is both secure and tall (if preventing escape is the reason).
 
Dan
Good argument, Jacobea. Now that you mention it, I can see a cat jumping from tree to tree and then into a tree outside the enclosure.

Although if that is the reason, I would of course like the trees nearest to the fence (on both sides) cut down and the problem would be solved. IF snow leopards like to climb trees as much as other leopards do, this matter casts a shadow over the exhibit.
 
Toddy
There are no trees where the snow leopards live in the wild so I don't think that not having access to trees is an issue for them. I think their main purpose is to give the snow leopards some shade during the summer and privacy from the visitors.

The metal could also be meant to protect the trees from the snow leopards claws?
 
Dan
Yes, of course. I was just thinking that IF snow leopards like to climb trees, like other leopards, it would be a shame to deny them the pleasure.

But you are most probably right - no trees in the natural habitat of the species.

But then, and now I am only speculating, could access to trees still be a possible source of enrichment?

Or might it be dangerous - cat climbing up but not daring to climb down?!

More comments?
 

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