FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Contact: David Barnhardt

      Director of Marketing & Guest Services

      Ph - (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

      dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Akron Zoo welcomes new female snow leopard

            AKRON, Ohio – A new snow leopard is now on exhibit at the Akron Zoo. Shanti has arrived from the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan. While Shanti, who just turned one year old this summer, is getting used to her new surroundings she will be out on exhibit from 10 a.m. – noon daily.

            The zoo’s male snow leopard, Roscoe, will be on exhibit from noon – 5 p.m. daily. Introductions between the two snow leopards will take place indoors and when the pair’s acclimated to each other they will be on exhibit together everyday.

            The zoo’s other female snow leopard, Hannah, Roscoe’s sister, left the zoo last December to be paired with a male at the Santa Barbara Zoo.

            Shanti was acquired by the zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of SSP’s is to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Through scientifically-controlled managed breeding programs, SSP’s are a proactive approach to preventing extinction.

            Snow leopards are listed as an endangered species and there are believed to be about 4,000 – 6,000 snow leopards in the wild. Snow leopards are native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia.

The Akron Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world and is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $6 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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