Rare snow leopards born at Mill Mountain Zoo

Rare snow leopards born at Mill Mountain Zoo

Three snow leopard cubs were born at the Mill Mountain Zoo on May 4.

The Mill Mountain Zoo is a participant in the Snow Leopard SSP (Species Survival Program) and it is the second birth of this species at the Zoo. The Mill Mountain Zoo was one of twenty zoos recommended to breed this species for the year 2001

The first offspring was in June of 2000. The mother did not care for the two female cubs, and efforts to hand raise were not successful. Last year’s cubs died within 48 hours.

The birth of the three cubs this year is very encouraging as the female is exhibiting much improved skills for nursing of the offspring. The cubs will remain with the mother in the den area, and will most likely not be out on display until mid-June.

On top of Roanoke’s Mill Mountain, off the Blue Ridge Parkway and alongside the famous Roanoke Star, Mill Mountain Zoo is an AZA accredited 3 1/2 acre Zoo that exhibits 50 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Animals include a Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Bald Eagles, Pythons and much more. Special presentations and programs each weekend, ZooChoo train rides daily.

Enjoy also in Mill Mountain Park picnic facilities, Discovery Center, and a nationally recognized wildflower garden.

Zoo hours: daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., grounds close at 5 p.m.

June 15 through Labor Day, extended hours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10a.m. to 7:30p.m., grounds close at 8p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children under 12, $5.40 for seniors (plus tax), children under two are free. ZooChoo rides $1.50 (plus tax). Call 540-343-3241 for more information.