The Snow Leopard in Helsinki

The Helsinki Zoo has been quite successful in breeding snow leopards. In fact, in 1976 this facility was given the assignment of keeping the international studbook of the snow leopard. The studbook has been a useful tool in managing the captive snow leopard population.

Similar studbooks are kept of many species living in zoos but especially of endangered species. A studbook lists details of all zoo-dwelling animals of one particular species. Zoos are responsible to inform the studbook keeper of new cubs as well as of transfers and deaths of animals. The studbooks are used to select suitable breeding partners for captive animals. “Because such populations are relatively small, degeneration and inbreeding can easily occur,” explains Blomqvist.

More than a hundred cubs have been born in the Helsinki Zoo alone, and most of them have been sent to foreign zoos. To ensure variety in the population, captive snow leopards are frequently exchanged between zoos. The captive snow leopard population is now so varied that there is no more need to trap those still in the wild.

Many zoos, including the one in Helsinki, contribute to wildlife conservation by striving to maintain a genetically healthy animal population. Of course, they also provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of unique animals. Truly, the snow leopard makes a lasting impression and is a credit to the Creator, who ‘has made everything pretty.’​—Ecclesiastes 3:11.

Meet the Mysterious Snow Leopard

BY AWAKE! WRITER IN FINLAND

FEW animals are as mysterious as the snow leopard. Only a handful of people have seen one in the wild, and very little is known about how these animals live.

The snow leopard is a prominent attraction at Finland’s Helsinki Zoo. The curious habits of this feline​—considered by many to be the most beautiful of the large cats—​make it a fascinating creature.

“It is very mild-tempered,” says Leif Blomqvist, curator of the Helsinki Zoo. “The snow leopard forms relationships with humans easily, and in the morning at the zoo, it comes to greet its caretaker.” Blomqvist adds that the mild temperament is observed even in the cubs. “They don’t struggle when zoo employees weigh and vaccinate them,” he says. But what if you were to handle any other type of leopard of the same age? “The task is almost impossible,” Blomqvist says. “You need protective clothing and gloves, as they fight back violently.”