Our zoo contains two kinds of leopards! Samat is a Snow leopard (Uncia uncia) which means he comes from Central Asia. Snow leopards are considered endangered and like to keep to themselves, except during breeding season! When it comes to food, these big cats will eat anything they come across in the vast, snowy lands where they live! Snow leopards will often mark their territory by clawing at trees or even urinating! Watch out when you pass Samat’s enclosure or he may urinate on you too!

Tatyana is an Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) which means she comes from Far South and East Russia. Tatyana and her kin are critically endangered! Very few still live in Russia, which is why Ahanu is so lucky to have Tatyana here in Fairless Hills, Iowa! Amur leopards like to hunt at night, especially deer and boar, which is a kind of pig! Tatyana likes bacon just like you!

Samat and Tatyana live just next door to each other and can often be seen stalking the fences and making noises at one another! They coordinated an attack on a mouse once. Taunted it, herded it between one another’s cages until Tatyana reached a claw out and snatched it. A little mid-day snack.

Lately, they have been pacing more than usual. Restless. Don’t let this dissuade you from visiting though! They’re always happy to see us!

Written by Jeffrey Holmes, MFA – June 1, 2024

My son loves these little stories! We’re going to see Samat this weekend!

Delia Manson 06/01/24

Keep up the good work, Jeff!

Tamara Lyons 06/01/24

Wow. Can’t believe you finally got published. Real sophisticated stuff.

Brian Vincent 06/03/24
COMMENT DELETED BY ADMINISTRATOR ROSE