PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a new member to its family – Marcy, a 3-year-old female snow leopard. Marcy’s journey from Syracuse, New York, to Philadelphia is a story of resilience and hope, one that underscores the importance of conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.
Marcy was born on May 18, 2020, at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. At just three weeks old, she was diagnosed with swimmer syndrome, a condition that affected her hind legs and threatened her ability to walk. Through the dedicated efforts of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo team, who administered physical therapy sessions of up to three hours a day, Marcy made an extraordinary recovery. Today, she can be seen walking, running, and climbing, much like any other healthy snow leopard.
Her arrival in Philadelphia is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to maintain a genetically diverse population of threatened and endangered species. Marcy joins Yuki, an 8-year-old male snow leopard, as part of the breeding program at the Philadelphia Zoo. The goal is to further the survival of the snow leopard species, which is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with only an estimated 7,000 remaining in the wild.
Curator of Carnivores and Ungulates, Maggie Morse, expressed her excitement about Marcy’s arrival. “Our big cat team has successfully bred this species in the past and is working on an introduction plan between Marcy and our male, Yuki,” she said. The Philadelphia Zoo has had two successful litters of snow leopard cubs in 2011 and 2013.
To commemorate Marcy’s arrival, the Philadelphia Zoo is offering a special promotion for Family Deluxe Zoo Members. From now through the end of Spring Break (April 7), members can use the code MARCY at checkout to receive a 10% discount and a brand-new snow leopard Zoo Key.
Family Deluxe membership offers a host of benefits, including admission for two named adults and four children, two free additional guest admissions per visit, ten free tickets per year valid on select attractions, and more. For those interested in becoming a member and supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts, visit philadelphiazoo.org/membership.
Marcy’s journey is a testament to the power of conservation efforts and the resilience of nature. Her arrival at the Philadelphia Zoo offers a beacon of hope for her species and serves as a reminder of the important role zoos play in protecting and advocating for vulnerable wildlife. So why not pay a visit to the Philadelphia Zoo and welcome Marcy to her new home?
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