Australasian Snow Leopard Population

[Zoofan15]

It would be interesting to know what the holding capacity at billabong is for snow leopards. Hopefully if they have the room they could import a pair and breed. The property itself is a decent size of memory.

They've held at least four at one point I think - their current two males (Khumbu and Sabu), plus Samarra (ex-Taronga breeding female) and Sabu's littermate Kemala, although I don't think all those animals were held singly. Theoretically there would be capacity to breed, although there would be limited capacity in terms of housing cubs long-term, unless they can stay at Billabong.

That’s correct that they’ve previously held 2.2 adults:

0.1 Samara (2001) Imported 2003
1.0 Khumbu (2003) Mangar x Lena

1.0 Sabu (2005) Leon x Samara
0.1 Kemala (2005) Leon x Samara

I believe Sabu and Kemala (litter mates) were held together; while Khumbu and Samara were held separately. Sabu and Kemala were removed from the breeding programme due to an eye condition. This may have come from Leon as his daughter at Melbourne was similarly designated non-breeding.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Billabong and Tasmania update

During the Snow Leopard Encounter today at Billabong Zoo, the keeper confirmed that once their two elderly males, Khumbu and Sabu, pass Billabong is committed to keeping Snow Leopards, either from within Australia or importing. She also mentioned that Tasmania Zoo is looking to import a female to pair with Sikari from Melbourne.

That is good to learn. I just wonder why the have not decided to pair male Khumbu with an unrelated partner from the region?

 

[Zoofan15]

That is good to learn. I just wonder why the have not decided to pair male Khumbu with an unrelated partner from the region?

There were unsuccessful attempts to breed from him and Samara at Taronga Zoo circa 2012 (which as per above, also implies the eye condition identified in Sabu/Kemala came from Leon). I’m of the impression Khumbu is relatively genetically valuable as in addition to attempts to breed from Khumbu, Melbourne and Mogo attempted to breed his aunt and sister respectively with males (also unsuccessful).

Khumbu descends from Melbourne’s original breeding pair (Lakh and Kashi). They were imported in 1983 and produced three litters in 1985 (0.1 survived to adulthood), 1987 (none survived to adulthood) and 1989 (1.1 survived to adulthood). The female from their first litter (Kalmia) was exported in 1990; while the cubs from the 1989 litter, Mangar and Shimbu, were paired with mates. Mangar sired 2.2 cubs at Mogo with Lena (including Khumbu); Shimbu’s mate, Gregor, was infertile.

 

[Tiger91]

There were unsuccessful attempts to breed from him and Samara at Taronga Zoo circa 2012 (which as per above, also implies the eye condition identified in Sabu/Kemala came from Leon). I’m of the impression Khumbu is relatively genetically valuable as in addition to attempts to breed from Khumbu, Melbourne and Mogo attempted to breed his aunt and sister respectively with males (also unsuccessful).

Khumbu descends from Melbourne’s original breeding pair (Lakh and Kashi). They were imported in 1983 and produced three litters in 1985 (0.1 survived to adulthood), 1987 (none survived to adulthood) and 1989 (1.1 survived to adulthood). The female from their first litter (Kalmia) was exported in 1990; while the cubs from the 1989 litter, Mangar and Shimbu, were paired with mates. Mangar sired 2.2 cubs at Mogo with Lena (including Khumbu); Shimbu’s mate, Gregor, was infertile.

I vaguely remember reading that captive snow leopards have issues with eye problems that seem to be inherited from the individuals that originated it.

 

[Zoofan15]

I vaguely remember reading that captive snow leopards have issues with eye problems that seem to be inherited from the individuals that originated it.

It’s a congenital eye malformation called Multiple Ocular Coloboma (MOC). There’s an interesting research paper about it here, which details the discovery of 49 cases in North American zoos from 2000-2020. Each animal had an affected relative, suggesting an inheritable component.

https://avmajournals.avma.org/downloadpdf/view/journals/javma/261/12/javma.23.04.0203.pdf

MOC was first reported in cubs in Europe in the 1960’s; with additional cases reported from the 1970’s in Europe and North America; as well as in the 1980’s in Australia. These would have been the offspring of Lahk and Kashi at Melbourne Zoo. Three of their cubs died in infancy (one at six days; one at two months; and one at three months). My money would be on the latter two, as opposed to their three surviving offspring - one of which was exported; and two of which went into breeding pairs - with attempts to breed from the subsequent generation.

 

[OzZooJoy]

I took part in the Snow Leopard encounter today, which was a great experience.

During the experience, the keepers said that it is highly unlikely that Kang Ju and Mishka will breed again. They explained that the declining interest in the region would make it hard to place any young they have. Apparently, they are genetically well represented globally, so new cubs wouldn't be as valuable internationally either.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I took part in the Snow Leopard encounter today, which was a great experience.

During the experience, the keepers said that it is highly unlikely that Kang Ju and Mishka will breed again. They explained that the declining interest in the region would make it hard to place any young they have. Apparently, they are genetically well represented globally, so new cubs wouldn't be as valuable internationally either.

Mmmm, the age old disease within ZAA. First start with a species, some breeding ... then stalemate to get others on board and eventually the secret word ... PHASE OUT!

Sure, the ZAA is a small community of zoos and zoo spaces are more dear and few than larger zoo association regions ..., but come on ... get a grip on long term policy making and vision for the region and not treat animals like the latest hype or fad and than 3 seasons go for something new!

 

[Zorro]

Mmmm, the age old disease within ZAA. First start with a species, some breeding ... then stalemate to get others on board and eventually the secret word ... PHASE OUT!

Sure, the ZAA is a small community of zoos and zoo spaces are more dear and few than larger zoo association regions ..., but come on ... get a grip on long term policy making and vision for the region and not treat animals like the latest hype or fad and than 3 seasons go for something new!

You're spot on the same with a number of other species and the hype about only Sun bears for zoos within the ZAA and now the lack of interest in them. Also the phase out of all the Langur species to make room for the "chosen" Francois Langur only to get established at Taronga Zoo only (bar 2 spares). With resent talk of phasing out the Black and White Lemurs to replace them with Red Ruffled Lemurs, Its sounds like just plain bad management at the end of the day!

 

[Zoofan15]

I took part in the Snow Leopard encounter today, which was a great experience.

During the experience, the keepers said that it is highly unlikely that Kang Ju and Mishka will breed again. They explained that the declining interest in the region would make it hard to place any young they have. Apparently, they are genetically well represented globally, so new cubs wouldn't be as valuable internationally either.

I heard high praise of this encounter from @The Sleepy Hippo and needless to say, it’ll be top on my list if I’m visiting Melbourne when they’re running them. I hope you enjoyed the experience!

Thanks for letting us know about future breeding plans. It’s highly disappointing, but makes sense when you consider the regional population/holders. Tasmania Zoo plan to source a mate for their Melbourne bred male, which obviously can’t come from Melbourne. Wellington may want to source more upon the passing of their Melbourne bred females, but they’re only young cats themself and will hopefully live for another decade/decade and a half (by which time their parents will be post-reproductive).

Billabong’s plans are unclear, but they may even import from Europe; or be the intended destination of Tasmania bred cubs (which of course won’t be bred without a plan for relocation).

Not the news we wanted; but sadly unsurprising.

 

[OzZooJoy]

Mmmm, the age old disease within ZAA. First start with a species, some breeding ... then stalemate to get others on board and eventually the secret word ... PHASE OUT!

Sure, the ZAA is a small community of zoos and zoo spaces are more dear and few than larger zoo association regions ..., but come on ... get a grip on long term policy making and vision for the region and not treat animals like the latest hype or fad and than 3 seasons go for something new!

You're spot on the same with a number of other species and the hype about only Sun bears for zoos within the ZAA and now the lack of interest in them. Also the phase out of all the Langur species to make room for the "chosen" Francois Langur only to get established at Taronga Zoo only (bar 2 spares). With resent talk of phasing out the Black and White Lemurs to replace them with Red Ruffled Lemurs, Its sounds like just plain bad management at the end of the day!

I understand lots of the other examples you have listed, but I think it is unfair to label it as bad management, just an inevitability due lots of the factors, many of which have been discussed on this thread. The region is never going to be able to have a large population of Snow Leopards, there just aren't enough viable holders of them to do it. Climate, and the perception surrounding it (I had colleagues scoff at the idea of having snow leopards in Australia at all), as well their solitary and shy nature, make it hard for the large percentage of facilities to hold them. But I don't think they are close to being a phase out option at the moment, Melbourne are committed to holding them, and as seen many times in the thread, so are other facilities. And they definitely aren't a short-term fad in the region, there has been support for them for years. It is likely we will continue to be sent snow leopards that are well represented in other regions, to help keep the population going and be ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

 

[Zoofan15]

I understand lots of the other examples you have listed, but I think it is unfair to label it as bad management, just an inevitability due lots of the factors, many of which have been discussed on this thread. The region is never going to be able to have a large population of Snow Leopards, there just aren't enough viable holders of them to do it. Climate, and the perception surrounding it (I had colleagues scoff at the idea of having snow leopards in Australia at all), as well their solitary and shy nature, make it hard for the large percentage of facilities to hold them. But I don't think they are close to being a phase out option at the moment, Melbourne are committed to holding them, and as seen many times in the thread, so are other facilities. And they definitely aren't a short-term fad in the region, there has been support for them for years. It is likely we will continue to be sent snow leopards that are well represented in other regions, to help keep the population going and be ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

It’s clear the species are secure across at least three of the holders. Wellington Zoo (the latest holder) opened a $6 million exhibit in 2023; and Tasmania Zoo (the second most recent holder) acquired the species in 2021 and have plans to acquire a female. The climate of both zoos is cooler than mainland Australia.

Snow leopards are a popular attraction at Melbourne Zoo - probably second only to the gorillas now the elephants have left. With two decent climate controlled exhibits to house them, I have no doubt they’ll receive more once their pair (aged nine and ten) pass. If Tasmania Zoo acquire a female, they could even be in a position to supply Melbourne with a sibling pair of cubs down the line, with Melbourne’s current pair moving off exhibit in their senior years.

 

[steveroberts]

I understand lots of the other examples you have listed, but I think it is unfair to label it as bad management, just an inevitability due lots of the factors, many of which have been discussed on this thread. The region is never going to be able to have a large population of Snow Leopards, there just aren't enough viable holders of them to do it. Climate, and the perception surrounding it (I had colleagues scoff at the idea of having snow leopards in Australia at all), as well their solitary and shy nature, make it hard for the large percentage of facilities to hold them. But I don't think they are close to being a phase out option at the moment, Melbourne are committed to holding them, and as seen many times in the thread, so are other facilities. And they definitely aren't a short-term fad in the region, there has been support for them for years. It is likely we will continue to be sent snow leopards that are well represented in other regions, to help keep the population going and be ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

Very well said Mlawlor.

 

[Tiger91]

I understand lots of the other examples you have listed, but I think it is unfair to label it as bad management, just an inevitability due lots of the factors, many of which have been discussed on this thread. The region is never going to be able to have a large population of Snow Leopards, there just aren't enough viable holders of them to do it. Climate, and the perception surrounding it (I had colleagues scoff at the idea of having snow leopards in Australia at all), as well their solitary and shy nature, make it hard for the large percentage of facilities to hold them. But I don't think they are close to being a phase out option at the moment, Melbourne are committed to holding them, and as seen many times in the thread, so are other facilities. And they definitely aren't a short-term fad in the region, there has been support for them for years. It is likely we will continue to be sent snow leopards that are well represented in other regions, to help keep the population going and be ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

Snow leopards are quite adapted to Melbournes and Tasmania's temps. They are a popular and more importantly a species that can be imported and are on the easier side of doing so. The investment of importing of odd one to prop up what is bred here on the long term and in the realm of money spent in zoos isnt going to be huge.

One of the issues we seem to have had with species, is if it can't be regionally kept in decent numbers it should be passed out. But there are species that are kept in decent numbers globally, are not hard to import (they are cheaper then others, they travel better, they are easier in how they travel e.g size) That's should be maintained with the occasional import for new genes or to prop numbers up taking place. We spend rediculose amounts of money on non animal things in zoo's it's about time they start investing in what they are actually there for exhibiting species of animals.
Snow leopards have large SSP in Europe and the states there isnt a reason we can't join one of them and import what is needed every so often.

While it seems like Melbournes are represented well, it would make sense for them to not breed again. Tasmania and billabong want to breed. New genetics and cubs produced down the line would enable melbourne to obtain new animals when there's age out, to either breed or simply keep.

 

[Jambo]

Snow leopards are quite adapted to Melbournes and Tasmania's temps. They are a popular and more importantly a species that can be imported and are on the easier side of doing so. The investment of importing of odd one to prop up what is bred here on the long term and in the realm of money spent in zoos isnt going to be huge.

One of the issues we seem to have had with species, is if it can't be regionally kept in decent numbers it should be passed out. But there are species that are kept in decent numbers globally, are not hard to import (they are cheaper then others, they travel better, they are easier in how they travel e.g size) That's should be maintained with the occasional import for new genes or to prop numbers up taking place. We spend rediculose amounts of money on non animal things in zoo's it's about time they start investing in what they are actually there for exhibiting species of animals.
Snow leopards have large SSP in Europe and the states there isnt a reason we can't join one of them and import what is needed every so often.

While it seems like Melbournes are represented well, it would make sense for them to not breed again. Tasmania and billabong want to breed. New genetics and cubs produced down the line would enable melbourne to obtain new animals when there's age out, to either breed or simply keep.

The regions breeding program already operates as an extension of the European program I believe (much like a lot of our other programs).

It isn't realistic to assume our region will be able to breed this species in large numbers when essentially we only have a few holders. Snow Leopards being a solitary species further compounds the issue of space - Wellington being an exception in that they've been able to continue to display the Melbourne born sisters together.

If Melbourne's pair are well represented (as it seems); it would make sense if they were retired from breeding. Especially if their son is to breed at Tasmania. Tasmania bred cubs could potentially be accommodated at Billabong long term.

 

[steveroberts]

I don’t understand why a sub-tropical zoo would import snow leopards when climate-appropriate alternatives are equally readily available.

(I don’t think Melbourne, with our 49 degree summers, should have snow leopards either).

With that in mind the most suitable places would be Nat' Zoo/Canberra again in future, and Tasmania Zoo/Launceston (who with snow leopards and Sri Lankan leopards + Melbourne back in the day as keeping both good precedent examples of it being do-able for National Zoo, well Nat' Zoo already keep multiple large felid species anyway and manage to well), and Wellington are the logical future holders for snow leopards in the region based on their climates (although of course the argument can often be made that they do not belong at all in our region..don't neccessarily personally think that's true in an absolute way, there are colder climate options as mentioned).

 

[Zoofan15]

That's sad about Khumbu, even if expected anytime recently given his (very impressive) age, he was beautiful; rest in peace Khumbu. Wonder if Billabong really do want to continue to with snow leopards when Sabu has passed. Had forgotten that Khumbu had been at Billabong before going to Taronga too (fsr had assumed he had gone to Taronga directly from Mogo).

Khumbu’s death is notable for two reasons:

It has set the regional longevity record for this species at 21 years 9 months 22 days. The previous record was 21 years 7 months and unknown days, when Khumbu’s aunt Shimbu died at Melbourne Zoo in October 2010.

Khumbu was the last of his line in the region, dating back to the import of the Australasia’s first breeding of Snow leopards (Lakh and Kashi) by Melbourne Zoo in 1983. They produced three litters, totalling three cubs to survive to adulthood. The male cub (Mangar) subsequently sired four cubs at Mogo Zoo, including Khumbu and his sister Tenzin in 2003.