Snow Leopard
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
Snow leopards can reach more than four feet in length and weigh up to 160 pounds. They have thick, spotted fur that keeps these feline predators warm in their cold environment and provide camouflage against rocky terrain. During freezing temperatures, they wrap their tail around their face for additional protection. Sheep, boar, deer, rodents and other small mammals make up the bulk of the predator’s diet. Snow leopards are largely solitary felines, coming together only to breed. An average litter includes two or three cubs. Females give birth in a shelter lined with their own fur, and the cubs remain secluded for up to three months before venturing outside. Young remain dependent on their mother for another year after leaving the den.
Interesting Fact 1
Snow leopards use their long tails for balance when running, jumping, or leaping.
Interesting Fact 2
Snow leopards live at the highest altitude of any cat species.
Interesting Fact 3
These cats can jump 20 feet into the air and leap 50 feet across the ground to navigate mountainous terrain.
Caring for Carnivores
Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Lincoln Park Zoo’s new home for African lions and other carnivores, is coming soon! The renovation of this state-of-the-art space, guided by years of behavioral data, includes habitat features that promote positive animal welfare.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
Support Your Zoo
Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
