The Philadelphia Zoo is welcoming a new member to the family. Today the zoo will celebrate the arrival of three-year-old female snow leopard, Marcy. To ensure the survival of this species, Marcy joins eight-year-old male snow leopard, Yuki who already calls the zoo home.
Marcy, The Snow Leopard
Marcy came to the Zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation with the Zoo’s 8-year-old male, Yuki, to ensure the survival of this species. Additionally, Marcy’s exciting arrival will help maintain a genetically diverse population.
“We are so excited to have Marcy at the Zoo as we continue our important work to protect and advocate for this vulnerable species,” says Curator of Carnivores and Ungulates Maggie Morse in an official press release. “Our big cat team has successfully bred this species in the past and is working on introductions between Marcy and our male, Yuki.”
In fact, the zoo already had two successful litters of snow leopard cubs in 2011 and 2013. Moreover, The Philadelphia Zoo works with the Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to manage populations of threatened, endangered and other species.
Come Celebrate Marcy
Celebrate Marcy’s arrival! The Philadelphia Zoo is offering a brand-new snow leopard Zoo Key to Family Deluxe Zoo Members. Not a Family Deluxe member? Now through the end of Spring Break (April 7), use code MARCY at checkout for 10% off.
Family Deluxe members enjoy:
- Admission for 2 named adults (18+) and 4 children (17 and under) each visit
- 2 FREE additional guest admission tickets to use per visit
- 10 FREE tickets per year valid on select attractions (Carousel, Train, Giraffe Experience, Wings of Asia, Nature Blazers Scavenger Hunt)
- 20% off (online only) additional select attractions, General Admission guest and Summer Ale Fest tickets and Behind-the-Scenes experiences
- 2 FREE LumiNature tickets + a 20% discount on all additional tickets
For more information, visit here.
About Snow Leopards
Snow leopards are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with only an estimated 7,000 remaining in the wild. Snow leopards are found in mountain ranges of central and south Asia in countries including China, Russia, and Afghanistan.
Furthermore, they are known for their beautiful gray and white fur, which helps them blend in with their snowy surroundings. These solitary and elusive cats are expert hunters and can navigate steep and rocky terrain with ease. In addition to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss is another major threat to these cats in the wild.