Analysis of the «zoo visitor» effect on the example of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis

The article presents the study results of the Moscow Zoo' visitor effect on the behavior of the snow leopard Uncia uncia and the Amur leopard Panthera pardus orientalis. It was shown that most of the time the animals were inactive or were in a shelter (on the average 86,3%). Stereotypy was typical only for the Amur leopard (19,1%). Animals were more likely to be active in the presence of 0 to 20 people. Most often, animals were in other parts of the aviary; however, stereotypy was manifested mainly in the front zone of the aviary. The Amur leopard shows aggression towards visitors who tried to get its attention and it's reaction to mens was more intense. Snow leopard did not react to visitors.