Big Welcome For A Big Cat

A feline ambassador from Pakistan made his debut in the Himalayan Highlands of the Bronx Zoo on September 25, following an historic ceremony that united the Pakistani and U.S. governments. Endangered snow leopard cub Leo was transferred to the Bronx Zoo this past summer after he was discovered orphaned in the wild, unable to fend for himself.

Click here to read more about the expedition and diplomatic collaboration that led to Leo's relocation.

First lady of Pakistan Sebha Musharraf was among the honored guests to officially welcome Leo. "Wildlife is among our greatest resources," she said. "It provides both beauty and a discovery of the natural world around us. Leo is a most fitting wildlife ambassador, representing both Pakistan and his species. It is our hope that he will inspire others to care".

Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Environment and Science Claudia A. McMurray also attended the welcome ceremony. She commented, "Today we celebrate the arrival of this beautiful snow leopard cub as a symbol of hope for the global effort to save endangered wildlife. I am especially pleased that diplomacy between the United States and Pakistan played a key role in making this accomplishment possible".

The 14-month-old male cub will remain at the Bronx Zoo until an appropriate facility can be constructed in Pakistan. As a world leader in snow leopard care-and the first zoo in the Western Hemisphere to exhibit these big cats, in 1903-the Bronx Zoo will provide a secure refuge for the growing cub.

Snow leopards are among the world's most endangered big cats. Only an estimated 3,500 to 7,000 remain in the wild, restricted to remote mountains of Central Asia. The Wildlife Conservation Society's international conservation program supports projects in the Diamer District of northern Pakistan to help conserve snow leopards and their prey, including the flare-horned markhor. WCS also currently works to protect snow leopards in Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and western China.

"The Wildlife Conservation Society is deeply honored to be entrusted by the government of Pakistan with the care and well-being of this priceless and endangered snow leopard at our Bronx Zoo facility," said Dr. Steven E. Sanderson, WCS president and CEO. "Ensuring the future of wildlife and wild lands over the next century poses great challenges, but offers great promise. By creating and opening gateways to conservation in New York and around the world through partnerships like this alliance with Pakistan, we can achieve sustainable successes in conservation".


Posted by: Ashley    Source