Himani, snow leopard whose seven cubs helped conservation efforts, dies aged 17

A snow leopard which gained widespread consideration for giving beginning to seven cubs, contributing to efforts to guard her species, has died at 17 years previous, a New Jersey zoo mentioned on Sunday.

Himani reared 4 litters of cubs at a time when snow leopard breeding success was at a low level, in accordance with an announcement from Cape May County Zoo which additionally mentioned the cat was “peacefully euthanized” on Friday, “following a battle with cancer”.

Himani was born in June 2003 and got here to the Cape May County Zoo in 2009 from the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee, the Press of Atlantic City reported.

“Upon her arrival,” the zoo assertion mentioned, “she was paired with Vijay, the Zoo’s male snow leopard, and over the next four years, Himani and Vijay would successfully rear four litters of cubs. Himani proved to be an excellent mother, successfully raising seven healthy and strong cubs.”

Himani’s cubs had been moved to zoos throughout the US, the zoo mentioned, carrying “her legacy and genetics to raise cubs of their own.”

“Himani was an incredible mother, and an important member of our zoo family, she will certainly be missed by the staff and visitors,” mentioned Dr Alex Ernst, affiliate veterinarian on the Cape May County Zoo.

“We feel fortunate that she was here with us during the past 12 years. Her contributions to the conservation of her species … are immeasurable.”

County commissioner E Marie Hayes mentioned Himani “was a superstar and a huge draw for visitors … She will be missed.”