Two snow leopards of Kyrgyzstan are in Almaty Zoo, their sense of vision recovered by 30% – NABU
BISHKEK. KAZINFORM - Two snow leopards of Kyrgyzstan are in the Almaty Zoo (Kazakhstan); their sense of vision was recovered by 30% after operations made two years ago, according to the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) representative office in Kyrgyzstan.
These two snow leopards were born in captivity on the basis of NABU in 2009. Condition of their eyes, however, worsened later. Unfortunately, the German organization could not keep the animals at their own expense. It's expensive for the state as well, since one snow leopard requires up to 50 thousand som ($900) a month, AKI Press reported Wednesday.
The animals were promised to be returned to Kyrgyzstan in case of opening a zoo in the country.
Furthermore, NABU plans to monitor Kyrgyzstan's situation and identify the exact number of snow leopards. The relevant application has been already filed to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to address the issue of funding.
The official data obtained from forestries report about 286 species in Kyrgyzstan. "Since their migration is free, the number may reach 300-320 snow leopards," the statement said.