The Akron Zoo is closed today because of the huge snow storm we are experiencing in NE Ohio. However, the Akron Zoo is generally opened during the winter months and I suggest you check it out sometime to experience the Akron Zoo in a whole new way!
David Barnhardt of the Akron Zoo sent over some great pictures of Shanti, their Snow Leopard and a photo of their Himalayan Tahr in today’s snow.
Akron Zoo Snow Leopard in the snow
The Akron Zoo Snow Leopard is so beautiful and seems to love today’s snow storm. If you have a chance this winter, bundle up and take your kids to the Akron Zoo. It’s a whole new experience in the snow. We’ve especially enjoyed the snow leopard during winter months, admission is just $6 during the winter. He seems in his element!
Facts about Snow Leopards
In case you didn’t know, here are some facts about snow leopards and the snow that I found on Wikipedia.org
Snow leopards show several adaptations for living in a cold mountainous environment. Their bodies are stocky, their fur is thick, and their ears are small and rounded, all of which help to minimize heat loss. Their paws are wide, which distributes their weight better for walking on snow, and have fur on their undersides to increase their grip on steep and unstable surfaces; it also helps to minimize heat loss. Snow leopards’ tails are long and flexible, helping them to maintain their balance which is very important in the rocky terrain they inhabit; the tails are also very thick due to storage of fats, and are very thickly covered with fur which allows them to be used like a blanket to protect their faces when asleep.
Akron Zoo Himalayan Tahr in the snow
The Akron Zoo Himalayan Tahrs are also not shying away from today’s snow. I’ve always found it humorous that the Himalayan Tahr and the Snow Leopard are located right next to eachother at the Akron Zoo. The poor thars can see their predator everyday, right in front of them with nowhere to run. Of course, they also know they are protected and could easily show off in front of the snow leopard “You can’t touch me!” ha ha!
Facts about Himalayan Thar
In case you didn’t know, here are some facts about the Himalayan Thar that I found on ARKive.
The Himalayan tahr is a relative of the wild goat and is specially adapted to life on the rugged mountain slopes of the Himalayas, extending from the montane to alpine zones (4). George Schaller (1977) describes tahr as “… the quintessential goat…” because it selects the most inaccessible terrain in which to live (3). It has a dense, reddish to dark brown woolly coat with a thick undercoat, keeping it warm in the winter
rugged mountain slopes of the Himalayas, extending from the montane to alpine zones (4). George Schaller (1977) describes tahr as “… the quintessential goat…” because it selects the most inaccessible terrain in which to live (3). It has a dense, reddish to dark brown woolly coat with a thick undercoat, keeping it warm in the winter.
What do you enjoy about the zoo during the cooler months?
We usually go once or twice a month in the winter. Going in the snow is fun. The Snow leopard has been active many times when we have gone in the winter. Give it another try!
My family has a zoo membership and we love going when it is cooler. There is not as many people there and you can just take us much time at every exhibit as you like. We’ve never gone in the snow though.
We have never been to the Zoo in the winter but Im sure its beautiful I just hate the cold and snow. Everytime we have visited the Snow Leopard & Himalayan Tahr are always hiding!