“We are on for the Snow Leopard Festival rain or shine,” said Dean Noble, Director of Marketing, “In past years, we’ve had to worry about the snow melting due to our beautiful Santa Barbara sunshine. This year, we may get a taste for what winter weather is actually like for much of the country.”
The Snow Leopard Festival spotlights the highly endangered big cats and offers families a chance to sled and romp in tons of snow, skate in an innovative iceless rink, meet Santa for photos, and have more fun. Snow is also used as enrichment for the snow leopards, elephants and other Zoo creatures. Keeper talks focus on the challenges facing snow leopards in the wild.
The Snow Leopard Festival is Sunday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (9 a.m. early admission for Santa Barbara Zoo members only). Sledding and snow access is $3. Skating is $10 for adults, $7 for children. Tickets for both are sold at the snow area only. There are no advance sales. Other activities are free with admission. Call (805) 962-5339 or visit the website.
Sledding is for children aged 4 to 12 only – no adult sledding. Sleds are provided – no personal sleds. Snow play area open to children 12 and under. Skating is for all ages, and skates are provided – no personal skates.