County Zoo's Female Snow Leopard Dies

The Cape May County Zoo is sad to report the passing of Himani, a female snow leopard. Himani was peacefully euthanized Friday following a battle with cancer, the county announced in a news release. Himani was born in June 2003 and came to the Cape May County Zoo in 2009 from the Knoxville Zoo. Upon her arrival, 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. She proved to be an excellent mother, successfully raising seven healthy and strong cubs. Her accomplishment had impacts felt throughout the country. Her contributions to the Species Survival Program (SSP) came at a critical time when snow leopard breeding success was at a low point. Her cubs, after maturity, would move on to other zoos across the country, where they would carry on 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,” said Dr. Alex Ernst, associate veterinarian at the zoo. Dr. Ernst added, “We feel fortunate that she was here with us during the past 12 years.  Her contributions to the conservation of her species and to the future of the Cape May County Zoo are immeasurable." The birth of Himani’s cubs proved to be a turning point for the Cape May County Zoo. The zoo gained national attention through the successful birth of seven snow leopard cubs and it made the zoo a must-visit destination throughout the region. "On behalf of myself and my colleagues on the (Cape May) County Board of Commissioners, we are truly saddened by the passing of Himani. She was a superstar and a huge draw for visitors who made a visit to the snow leopard habitat one of their top attractions,” said County Commissioner E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Parks and Zoo. Hayes continued, “I want to thank the zoo veterinarians and zoo staff for their care and dedication as they cared for Himani during her battle with cancer. She will be missed." The Cape May County Zoo is open daily from 10 am. until 3:30 p.m. The parks are open from 7 a.m. until dusk daily. Visitors from age 2 and above are required to wear masks, social distance, and follow the directional signage in the zoo, for the safety of the staff, animals, and others.