There are about 600 snow leopards in captivity (1) with only about 3,500 to 7,000 in the wild (2). There are many reasons as to why snow leopards are threatened, despite their presence on the endangered species list. Many are being captured and killed for their fur on the illegal wildlife trade market. Another issue the hunting of them by farmers whose livestock is being killed by the big cats. And lastly, is the habitat loss and fragmentation of land for agricultural purposes (2). Though the killing of snow leopards is still going on, many organizations are trying to boost the numbers in the wild. This is being done with radio tracking, observational research, and also captive breeding. In this case, it is beneficial for the snow leopards to be in captivity, to dodge the hunting and killing and breed in a safe environment (3). But not all snow leopards are so lucky. There are other zoos that have snow leopards in horrid conditions (4). 

While it is quite amazing and magnificent to see these beautiful creatures up close, the question that is always in the back of my mind is: Is this where they should be?

Weighing both sides of the scale: education, conservation.... abuse and malnutrition... 

It's really up to you. 

Hey my name is Mitchell Hull, a member of the Group Wild Thangz. I am a Freshman at ESF and I am a Natural Resource Management major. In the future I want to get a job as a Conservation O
fficer protecting nature and the things that live there. Right now I currently work for the Department of Environmental Conservation and I assist in the DEC's project of capturing and tagging Golden Eagles in the Catskills. Enjoy our blog and I hope you learn more about having animals in captivity.

This is me with a Yellow Spotted Salamander!

Hello all! My name is Hailey Luedtke and I am a contributor to the Wild Thangz group. I am also currently a Junior in Environmental Biology at SUNY ESF. I am curious and excited to learn and distribute information about animals in captivity to help inform the public. I have always had a sense of adventure, and in doing so I've developed an interest in all forms of life. Animals, plants and insects all play important roles in our lives and it is necessary that we make sure they are treated with respect. I hope you enjoy this blog and develop more educated opinions about this topic!

Macallan Durkin

I'm Macallan! I'm a freshman at SUNY ESF and i'm a Wild Thang! I've always loved animals and have learned a lot about taking care of them and the rules and regulations that are on animals in captivity. I've had animals from alligators to sugar glider, from coatimundis to patagonian cavies (above). I love my animals and i like to utilize my captivity of them to educate the world on the beauty that comes from nature and the importance of preservation of these animals and their environment. You need a home for an animal? call me up. You want to know some random WILD fact about some species? I'm your girl! Read through our blog and contribute to our weekly elements to find out more about having and handling animals in captivity!

Hey! My name is Nick Douglas, a member of the Wild Thangz, and a contributor to the blog. I am a junior at ESF in the environmnetal biology program with a focus on law. My group and I are looking into public opinion on captive animals, and getting people interested in the topic.