Billabong Zoo Billabong Zoo News

[Zoofan15]

Khumbu, the 21-year-old Snow Leopard has died at Billabong. He arrived from Mogo in 2011 and then was transferred to Taronga in 2012 before returning permanently in 2015: Vale Khumbu | Billabong Zoo | Port Macquarie Koala and Wildlife Park

Khumbu’s death leaves Billabong Zoo with a single elderly male Snow leopard - Sabu (2005).

It’s been reported Billabong plan to continue with Snow leopard; but with Melbourne Zoo not planning to breed anytime soon, their options are to import or consider switching to Sri Lankan leopard.

Considering the rest of the regional population consists of Kang Ju, Mishka and their offspring (with Tasmania Zoo reportedly planning to import a female), it’d be no bad thing to have a second bloodline of Snow leopard enter the region.

 

[CGSwans]

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).

 

[steveroberts]

Khumbu, the 21-year-old Snow Leopard has died at Billabong. He arrived from Mogo in 2011 and then was transferred to Taronga in 2012 before returning permanently in 2015: Vale Khumbu | Billabong Zoo | Port Macquarie Koala and Wildlife Park

Khumbu’s death leaves Billabong Zoo with a single elderly male Snow leopard - Sabu (2005).

It’s been reported Billabong plan to continue with Snow leopard; but with Melbourne Zoo not planning to breed anytime soon, their options are to import or consider switching to Sri Lankan leopard.

Considering the rest of the regional population consists of Kang Ju, Mishka and their offspring (with Tasmania Zoo reportedly planning to import a female), it’d be no bad thing to have a second bloodline of Snow leopard enter the region.

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).

 

[Tiger91]

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).

They are arguably more popular with guests. Billabong is also known for having them now and with the way many zoo's have phassed them out. There Is no competition around with them, with the closest being Melbourne of memory. For a private zoo that's a large advantage to having them.
The climate at the zoo isn't sub tropical, Port sits just below it in that northern temperate zone. The summers and winters are actually pretty mild. There isnt large swings in temperatures between the average temp in winter and summer. Which probably makes it easier to keep them.