The Bronx Zoo introduced a new furry resident Wednesday, Sept. 30, after a female snow leopard cub was born at the zoo in May.
The cub, named Sarka, the Nepali word for shark, was born May 31 to parents Dari and Moutig.
The Wildlife Conservation Society said Sarka is doing well after passing her physical exams and receiving routine vaccinations. She was introduced to the Himalayan Highlands habitat Sept. 30, bringing the number of snow leopards at the Bronx Zoo to eight.
Here's what to know about snow leopards.
What makes snow leopards special?
Snow leopards are rarely seen in the wild because of their expert camouflage and dwindling populations. The Wildlife Conservation Society said their spotted, white-gray coats help them blend into the rocky, mountainous habitats of the Himalayas
and Tibetan Plateau in Asia.
Snow leopards also have large, padded feet that act as natural snowshoes. Their long, furry tails help keep them warm and provide balance as they navigate the uneven terrain of their habitats.
The Bronx Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to exhibit a snow leopard, in 1903. Since then, the WCS has been a leader in snow leopard care, conservation and education.
More than 80 snow leopards have been born at the zoo and contributed to the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program designed to enhance the species' genetic viability.
Are snow leopards endangered?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species classifies snow leopards as "Vulnerable." The WCS estimates that about 5,000 to 7,000 snow leopards remain in the wild across Asia.
The WCS said the species' primary threats include retaliatory killing by livestock herders, habitat degradation, declining prey populations, poaching and illegal trade.
Snow leopards prey on species including wild blue sheep, argali and Siberian ibex.
Where can I find the snow leopard at the Bronx Zoo?
Sarka and her family can be found in the zoo's Himalayan Highlands habitat, which features mountain and grassland species from Central Asia.
The habitat is home to species including snow leopards, red pandas and white-naped cranes.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Bronx Zoo welcomes new snow leopard cub. Meet Sarka
