ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, August 11, 1996 TAG: 9608090131
SECTION: DISCOVER ROANOKE VALLEY PAGE: 78 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY LINN STAFF WRITER
There's a new star on Mill Mountain - it's Boris, a 4-year-old snow leopard who made his debut at Mill Mountain Zoo on May 31.
The snow leopard, an animal that normally lives in the Himalayan mountains, is considered an endangered species because of habitat destruction and poaching.
There are about 300 snow leopards in captivity in zoos, according to information from Mill Mountain Zoo, which hopes to participate eventually in a captive-breeding program.
Besides Boris, other favorites at the zoo are Ruby the Siberian tiger, a golden eagle, a community of prairie dogs, various species of snakes and a breeding pair of red pandas. Altogether there are 21 species of mammals, 14 species of birds and six species of reptiles and amphibians, for a total of 101 specimens.
The zoo is open daily throughout the year except Dec. 25. Summer hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., except 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays.
Because Walnut Street Bridge is closed temporarily for repairs, detours to the zoo are in effect. From Interstate 81, take the Roanoke airport exit for Interstate 581, then proceed on I-581 to Exit 6 (Elm Avenue). Take a right onto Elm, then a left onto Jefferson Street at the second stop light. Follow Jefferson Street over two bridges and take a right at the stop light at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Take the next two right turns to reach Walnut Avenue, then turn right on Walnut, up the mountain until you come to the Blue Ridge Parkway spur. Take a right to the zoo's parking lot. Detour signs are posted along the way.
From northbound U.S. 220, take the Parkway entrance and continue 1/4 mile. Take a left at the Mill Mountain Park/Zoo sign. Travel the Parkway spur for three miles, then turn left at the Mill Mountain Park sign.
From U.S. 460, go through the Williamson Road intersection . Take the second entrance ramp to I-581 (downtown). Take exit 6 off I-581. Take a right onto Elm Avenue, then a left onto Jefferson Street, cross two bridges and turn right at the stop light at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Take the next two right turns to reach Walnut Avenue, then another right up the mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway spur. Turn right and continue to the zoo's parking lot. Detour signs will mark the way.
Admission to Mill Mountain Zoo through Oct. 31 is $4 for adults, $3.60 for senior citizens, $2.75 for children under 12. There is no charge for children under 2. Reduced rates are available for groups. Winter rates begin Nov. 1 and continue through March 30.
For more information, call 343-3241.
LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ERIC BRADY STAFF Boris, Mill Mountain Zoo's snowby CNBleopard, is a member of an endangered species.