News & Stories

The Incredible Tale of the Snow Leopard Named Supermom

The story of the snow leopard called Supermom is nothing short of spectacular (and how could it not be, with a name like that!). To appreciate the story, you first must remember that not long ago snow leopards were called “the ghost of the Himalayas” because so few people had seen them.  With your help, …

Mining Update: Bayara and Puji Make Presentations in Ulaan Baatar

As you may know, we have been working with communities around our study site in the South Gobi to address mining issues in the area. Bayara, Director of our Mongolia programs, has been helping the communities submit an application for a People’s Protected Area. The proposal was rejected for a second time in August. This …

"James Bond" is a Female: The Elusive New Cat Joins Our Study

Orjan is a Swedish PhD student who works at the base camp of our long-term research project in Mongolia. These are his adventures… At 03:19 (on October 15, 2010) our trap surveillance system alarm went off. This system, with its siren, makes me feel a little like a fire-fighter. In true “fire-fighter manner,” I jumped …

First Snow Leopard Lithotripsy Performed at Big Cat Rescue

Cloe, a female snow leopard living at Big Cat Rescue, recently became the first snow leopard to undergo lithotripsy. Lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses ultrasonic waves to shatter stones in the kidney or upper urinary tract. Thanks to the procedure, her health and well-being have been restored. Big Cat Rescue has posted an …

The Nickname Sticks: "Khashaa" Becomes Khashaa

The newly collared female snow leopard in our study was tentatively nicknamed “Khashaa.” She got this nickname from Ganaa, a base camp neighbor who witnessed the cat being fitted with a collar. Once she became an official member of our study, she needed an official name, and Khashaa it officially is. We look forward to …