Snow Leopards, Wellington Zoo

Designed in partnership with Wellington Zoo and Architecture Workshop, The Snow Leopard Habitat at Wellington Zoo is multi-dimensional with multiple viewing, play, and interactive areas for visitors and the snow leopards to explore. Stories from conservation partners, Mountain Spirit, play an essential role in the design.  The Habitat was designed to ensure that Asha and Manju live their best possible lives and that the Zoo can provide and support best practice animal care and welfare. To do this the habitat emulates the Snow Leopard’s natural environment, encouraging the animals to display natural behaviours. The steep, rocky terrain provides physical exercise by encouraging jumping and climbing. The habitat also offers plenty of space for Asha and Manju to patrol and will include trees for climbing and scratching and feel camouflaged and rest.