Research overview: captive welfare and management of snow leopards

Snow leopards, adapted to cold, rugged, high-altitude terrain, present particular welfare considerations in captivity. This overview surveys their husbandry: the importance of elevated rocky structures and vantage points reflecting their cliff-dwelling ecology, thermal management given their cold adaptation and dense coats, the role of complexity and climbing opportunity, and breeding and personality assessment in this conservation-priority species. It examines stereotypy and stress in captive snow leopards, the value of enrichment that promotes climbing and patrolling, and how enclosure design influences activity and visibility. It also considers reproductive management and maternal care. The synthesis frames snow leopard welfare as strongly tied to providing vertical, complex, cool environments matched to their mountainous natural history, alongside attention to individual temperament.