Rolling Hills Zoo welcomes new female snow leopard
SALINA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina has welcomed a new snow leopard.
On Tuesday, the zoo announced the arrival of Bettina, a one-and-a-half-year-old female snow leopard from the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society.
'Bettina's personality is as captivating as her stunning coat. Described as sweet, playful, energetic, and curious—but also cautious—she enjoys observing new surroundings before fully engaging,' the RHZ said on Facebook. 'At the Bronx Zoo, she often waited for her mother or brother to explore first before confidently joining in. Once comfortable, however, she becomes quite excitable and animated.'
Bettina was moved to Kansas as part of a breeding recommendation for the zoo's male snow leopard, but she isn't ready to breed quite yet.
'Though still young, Bettina's arrival marks an important step in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative conservation effort among accredited zoos to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species,' the RHZ continued.
Sedgwick County Zoo elephant's pregnancy comes to 'heartbreaking' end
Fewer than 6,400 snow leopards are believed to remain in their native habitat, the mountains of Central Asia.
'This elusive cat faces several threats, including poaching, not only for them, but their prey. Snow leopards and their prey may also share habitat with domestic livestock, leading to conflicts with herders whose livelihood depends on ranching. Such losses can be catastrophic for herders, who are often economically disadvantaged. To protect their herds and livelihoods, herders sometimes retaliate against the snow leopards,' the RHZ said.
The zoo hopes that Brettina's presence will help raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and their challenges.
The Rolling Hills Zoo, located at 625 N. Hedville Rd. in Salina, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more about the zoo, visit its website at rollinghillszoo.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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