Naonao is a 16-year-old female snow leopard, which is equivalent to 80 human years. Among the big cats, the snow leopard has a medium build, with a tail that is approximately three-quarters the length of its head and body. It is mainly distributed in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, where it inhabits four main types of habitats: bare rocks at high altitudes, alpine meadows, alpine shrubs, and the edges of mountain coniferous forests. The regions of the Tibet-Qinghai Plateau and the Pamir Plateau in China constitute the main distribution area of the species, and it can also be observed in the highest mountain ranges in the world, in the Himalayas. The snow leopard has evolved to be able to survive under the most extreme conditions on Earth.
Beauty and Elegance Its grayish-white coat with large black spots blends perfectly with the texture of the steep and rocky mountains of Central Asia. The powerful anatomy of the snow leopard allows it to easily climb large and steep slopes. Its hind legs give the snow leopard the ability to jump the equivalent of six times its body length. Its long tail provides balance and agility, and also allows it to shelter from the cold when at rest.
For thousands of years, this magnificent feline was the king of the mountains, where prey such as blue sheep, argali, ibex, marmots, rock rabbits, and hares were abundant. The snow leopard is found in 12 countries, including China, Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, and Mongolia, but its population is decreasing.
It was reported that she had undergone a complete medical examination. The staff reported the disappearance of Naonao, which triggered an immediate emergency response and the closure of the park. Local emergency services, firefighters, forestry services, and police officers joined the search operation.
Management Protocols The park promised to strengthen its management protocols and the security of its facilities and plans to announce its reopening after an operational review.
XINING, November 2025 (NA/Xinhua) -- The snow leopard house at the Xining Wildlife Park in Qinghai province, in northwest China, reopened to the public after a month of renovation. The Xining Nature Park houses about 60 percent of the snow leopard exhibits in China, including three that were bred in captivity and others that have been rescued from the wild. Earlier this year, the park rescued two snow leopard cubs. Snow leopards are a first-class protected species in China.
A couple of months ago, the park had been closed after the commotion caused by an elderly female snow leopard that escaped from its enclosure, although it was subsequently located and successfully rescued. Using drones and thermal imaging equipment, the rescue teams conducted a thorough search in rugged, vegetation-covered terrain. The female snow leopard, named Naonao, was found inside the park and is in good health.