2 snow leopards to debut at Big Bear Alpine Zoo

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- A new attraction is opening up at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo this weekend.

On Saturday, the zoo is holding a grand opening for its Himalayan snow leopard exhibit to debut 2-year-old sisters Asha and Shanti. The two snow leopards are relocating to Big Bear from the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Wash.

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo says on its website that the sisters were born with a rare congenital eye disease that caused each of them to lose an eye, so they will be able to benefit from the facility's rehabilitation program.

The zoo says the siblings were born as part of the Species Survival Program, which supports endangered species. But they can no longer be considered for breeding in the program because of their disease.

"We are looking forward to having the snow leopards join our family," said Debbie Richardson, the zoo's curator. "I hear they are quite rambunctious and should make for a lively exhibit. They are going to love their new home."