Celebrate Snow Leopard Day at Stone Zoo! Known as the Ghosts of the Mountains, these elusive big cats blend in with their surroundings of the harsh, rugged terrain of the Himalayas and use their long, thick, furry tail to provide extra warmth when wrapped around their face and body.

On Saturday, November 2, guests are invited to learn more about these striking felines at the education station and hear from zookeepers about the snow leopards that call Stone Zoo home. There are also snow leopard-themed crafts and activities offered throughout the day.

Researchers estimate that there are only between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards left in the wild. These animals face multiple threats in the wild from poachers, decline of prey species, human encroachment on habitat and retribution killings by herders looking to protect their livestock.

Zoo New England is committed to snow leopard conservation and is a longtime supporter of the Snow Leopard Trust, which protects snow leopards through community-focused conservation projects that are based on an improved scientific understanding of snow leopard behavior, needs, habitats and threats.