Surprising Discovery in the Lowlands

Found injured on January 23 near Urlabari, a town at a mere 146 meters (480 feet) above sea level, this snow leopard’s appearance astonished locals and experts. Typically, snow leopards inhabit mountainous regions above 2,000 meters (6,600 feet).

Recovery and Care

After being transported to Kathmandu for treatment, the snow leopard has made a full recovery from injuries to its right foreleg. Naresh Subedi from the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) reported that the animal can now stand upright.

Committee’s Decision

A committee formed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation decided to keep the snow leopard at the zoo due to its extended captivity. “Releasing it into the wild would be challenging for the animal to adapt,” said Shyam Kumar Shah, an information officer with the department.

Current Quarters and Future Plans

Currently housed in a temperature-controlled quarantine shelter, the zoo is working on constructing a new cage tailored for the snow leopard. Spokesperson Ganesh Koirala mentioned that the animal is fed chicken six days a week and fasts on Saturdays.

Unsolved Mystery

The exact reason for the snow leopard’s presence in the lowlands remains unknown. Theories range from natural dispersal to escaping wildlife traffickers, but the committee has not reached a consensus due to lack of scientific evidence.

Educational Opportunity

Conservationists believe that keeping the snow leopard in the zoo will raise public awareness about Nepal’s biodiversity. With an estimated 301-400 snow leopards in Nepal, this rare sighting offers a unique educational opportunity.