AKRON, Ohio — A 1-year-old female snow leopard named Milja will call the Akron Zoo her new home.
Born on May 11, 2020, Milja moved to Akron from the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. Her arrival comes after the death of female snow leopard Shanti in December 2021.
Described as very sassy and feisty by her caregivers, she is sure to be a favorite when she makes her public debut later this spring.
Her arrival at the zoo is based on recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), a scientifically managed breeding program that works to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse population of snow leopards.
Milja and the zoo’s male snow leopard, Tai Lung, will have a breeding recommendation in the future, the zoo said.
Born with a congenital eye condition called multiple ocular colobomas, Milja is sensitive to light and will be monitored by her care team.
Tai Lung is in the snow leopard habitat daily. Once Milja makes her spring debut, the duo will alternate days in the habitat as snow leopards are solitary animals.
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