New Snow Leopard To Make Debut At Philadelphia Zoo Thursday

PHILADELPHIA — A new member of the Philadelphia Zoo family will make her public debut Thursday.

The zoo will officially welcome 3-year-old female snow leopard Marcy to its family Thursday.

She was brought to the zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation with the Zoo’s 8-year-old male, Yuki, to ensure the survival of this species and maintain a genetically diverse population.

Snow leopards are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only an estimated 7,000 remaining in the wild.

"We are so excited to have Marcy at the Zoo as we continue our important work to protect and advocate for this vulnerable species," Curator of Carnivores and Ungulates Maggie Morse said. "Our big cat team has successfully bred this species in the past and is working on introductions between Marcy and our male, Yuki."

The zoo had two successful litters of snow leopard cubs in 2011 and 2013.

Philadelphia Zoo works with the Species Survival Plan breeding program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The goal of this program is to manage populations of threatened, endangered and other species across institutions to maintain long-term genetic and demographic viability to protect species from extinction.

To celebrate Marcy’s arrival, the zoo is offering a brand-new snow leopard Zoo Key to our Family Deluxe Zoo Members.

Now through April 7, the promo code MARCY will give a 10 percent discount on tickets.