Kyrgyzstan Sends Snow Leopards to Russia to Boost Green Ties

Kyrgyzstan has officially handed over three rare snow leopards to Russia in a symbolic and strategic gesture to promote cross-border environmental cooperation.

The ceremonial transfer took place in Gorno-Altaysk Russia’s Altai Republic during an official visit by Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kyrgyz media.

The three big cats - two males named Batyr and Janish, and a female named Umai - were delivered to Russian authorities as a sign of growing ecological collaboration between the two countries. The event was held in conjunction with an International Environmental Conference in the Altai Republic.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kasymaliev emphasized the broader environmental significance of the initiative.

“This is not just a symbolic gesture, but a tangible contribution to the conservation and sustainability of the Altai-Sayan region’s ecosystem,” he said.

“Since 2019, over ten joint projects have been implemented with international partners, including efforts to protect biodiversity, build ecological trails, and conduct scientific expeditions. In Kyrgyzstan, we have already created two ecological corridors - Chatkal and Ak Ilbirs. To further support biodiversity conservation in Central Asia, we propose establishing transboundary ecological corridors that span the territories of neighboring countries.”

The transfer of the endangered animals is aimed at reinforcing cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Russia in protecting the vulnerable mountain species, as well as raising awareness about the importance of regional biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems.

Environmental experts hailed the move as a milestone in conservation diplomacy, underscoring the role of shared ecosystems in fostering international partnerships.

This latest initiative builds on existing joint efforts between Kyrgyzstan and international stakeholders to protect the snow leopard - a flagship species for the high-altitude mountain ranges of Central Asia.