SALINA, KS — Rolling Hills Zoo is excited to introduce its newest resident, Bettina, a 1.5-year-old female snow leopard. She arrives from the Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society as part of a breeding recommendation with Sherman, Rolling Hills Zoo’s resident male snow leopard.
Born on June 7, 2023, Bettina was one of two cubs in her litter. Weighing 59 pounds, she is not only a striking addition to the zoo but also highly trained in voluntary medical behaviors. She is comfortable standing on a scale and accepting injections, making her care routine smoother for both keepers and veterinarians.
Bettina’s personality is as captivating as her stunning coat. Described as sweet, playful, energetic, and curious—yet cautious—she prefers to observe new environments before fully engaging. At the Bronx Zoo, she often waited for her mother or brother to explore first before confidently joining in. While naturally reserved around unfamiliar snow leopards, she is not aggressive, making her an ideal companion for Sherman.
Although still young, Bettina's arrival marks an important step in the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP)—a collaborative effort among accredited zoos to ensure the long-term survival of this endangered species. While she may not be ready to breed just yet, her presence at Rolling Hills Zoo will help raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and the challenges these elusive cats face.
A Critical Role in Conservation
Serving as an ambassador for her species, Bettina represents the wild snow leopards of Central Asia, whose range spans an area roughly the size of Greenland or Mexico. It is estimated that fewer than 6,400 snow leopards remain in their native habitat. These magnificent cats face several threats, including poaching—not only for their own fur and bones but also for their prey.
Additionally, snow leopards often share their habitat with domestic livestock, leading to conflicts with herders whose livelihoods depend on ranching. For economically disadvantaged herders, the loss of livestock can be devastating, sometimes resulting in retaliatory actions against snow leopards. Conservation efforts, like the SSP, aim to mitigate these conflicts and ensure a future for this species in the wild.
Visit Bettina at Rolling Hills Zoo
Guests will soon have the opportunity to see Bettina as she acclimates to her new home. Over the coming months, careful introductions will be planned between her and Sherman. Rolling Hills Zoo invites the community to visit this remarkable young snow leopard and learn more about efforts to protect her wild counterparts.
