Hima, a female snow leopard, is now on exhibit at the Miller Park Zoo. (Photo courtesy of Miller Park Zoo)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - Miller Park Zoo has a new cat.

A female snow leopard named Hima has joined the male snow leopard, Rilu on exhibit at the zoo. Superintendent Jay Tetzloff says the hope is to establish a breeding pair for the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan. Tetzloff serves as the national coordinator for the program.

“The Snow Leopard is an endangered species with a captive population of about 150 animals at 60 institutions throughout North America,” Tetzloff said. “We are hoping to see a litter from this pair, although chances are low for next summer. Hopefully by 2014 we can see some cubs.”

Hima and Rilu are the same age, born a day apart. Hima came from the Bronx Zoo and was born at the Granby Zoo in Quebec, Canada.

Snow Leopards are native to mountainous regions in Central Asia and extending from Afghanistan to China.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.