Zoo Boise’s newest resident is a 6 1/2-month-old snow leopard. The male snow leopard was born at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Mich.

The new snow leopard comes to Zoo Boise as part of a Species Survival Plan, a program of the Association of Zoos & Aquarium (AZA). Zoo Boise is accredited by the AZA. The breeding program targets selected endangered or threatened species in order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population for these animals. The goal is to increase the numbers of these animals with the hope of ultimately reintroducing certain zoo-bred animals into their natural habitats. Zoo Boise participates in 13 SSP programs.

An endangered species, snow leopards originate in the rocky mountainous areas of Central Asia. Adult males can weigh up to 165 pounds and grow up to 7 feet from head to tail.

Although the new snow leopard is still getting used to his new surroundings, you can see him explore his new home in his exhibit space.

He joins a female snow leopard, which has been at Zoo Boise for 5 years.

Located in Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise is home to more than 200 animals, including red pandas, Magellanic penguins, Amur tigers, meerkats, Andean condors, cotton-top tamarins and a Komodo dragon.

Zoo Boise is open year round, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Winter admission is $3 for ages 12 and older, $1.75 ages 4-11, and free for children 3 and under. All admission prices include a $.25 fee for the Zoo Conservation Fund.

For more information call Zoo Boise at 384-4260 or see www.zooboise.org.