SNOW LEOPARDS

Updated 10/19/26

Meet Malala and Nakai! 

On the left side of the habitat is Malala. She is 12 years old and was born at Central Park Zoo in New York. Nakai, on the right, is 16 years old and was born at Rio Grande Zoological Park in New Mexico. 

You may notice that these two cats live in separate habitats. That's actually pretty normal for snow leopards! In the wild, they are solitary animals and usually live and hunt alone. The exceptions are breeding season, when males and females come together, and when mothers stay with their young cubs. 

Malala has genetic issues affecting her eyes and hips, which can sometimes make her less steady on her feet. Because Nakai is much larger and stronger, the zoo doesn't want him to accidentally knock her off balance and cause her to tumble. Keeping them in separate habitats helps keep Malala safe while allowing both cats to thrive. 

Snow leopards are native to high-altitude regions of Asia, including the Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia, and western China. They are perfectly built for life in those rugged mountain environments. Their thick fur keeps them warm, their large paws act like natural snowshoes, and their long tails help them balance as they navigate steep, rocky terrain. Their tails can be nearly as long as their bodies! 

Their beautiful fur is covered in dark spots called rosettes. Just like fingerprints, every snow leopard has a unique pattern! 

Snow leopards are sometimes called the "ghosts of the mountains" because they can be incredibly difficult to spot in their natural habitat. They're also very patient hunters. They may chase prey up steep slopes until the animal becomes exhausted or gets stuck, then wait for the right opportunity to strike. 

Their wild prey includes blue sheep, tahr, musk deer, pheasants, and other small birds and animals. Snow leopards are powerful carnivores and can take down prey much larger than you might expect. They're also incredible jumpers and can leap as far as 20 feet! 

Snow leopards are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, a pattern called crepuscular activity. So if you see Malala or Nakai moving around during those times, you may be catching them at their most active! 

In the wild, snow leopards live about 17 years, while those in human-managed care can live around 22 years. They are classified as vulnerable, with threats including habitat loss, declining prey populations, hunting and trapping, and conflict with people who depend on livestock. 

As you watch these beautiful cats, keep an eye out for their unique rosettes, enormous paws, and long balancing tails. And if you're lucky, you might even catch Malala enjoying one of her favorite treats - a little whipped cream - or Nakai getting a taste of his favorite spice, cumin! 

For the latest updates on how the Alaska Zoo is helping vulnerable and endangered species, visit AlaskaZoo.org