Hope for Leo the Snow Leopard

Thank you, Steve. And thank you, Mrs. Musharraf, for being here today to help us welcome this beautiful animal to America. Today, we celebrate Leo's arrival as an important success story in the global effort to save endangered wildlife. Some might ask, is it important to bring one animal from the wild to live temporarily in a U.S. zoo? Does this action help save the endangered snow leopard for future generations?

The answer to both of these questions is an overwhelming yes. We must, and already do, focus on the conservation the species as a whole in its native habitat. That is our first priority. But, when one individual animal becomes an orphan, we must also turn that sad circumstance into an opportunity to help save the species.

And that is what we have done by bringing an animal like Leo to the Bronx Zoo -- a world renowned institution that specializes in snow leopard conservation. While at the Bronx Zoo, Leo can breed with other snow leopards to help increase the gene pool that will strengthen its chances of survival. Leo can also educate thousands of people – both Americans visitors and those from other countries -- about the plight of the snow leopard. And, eventually, Leo can return to Pakistan to spread the same word among the Pakistani people. His story has already inspired many in that nation – including the President and his First Lady, who honors us with her presence today. So, the most important message from today's event is that there is hope for the snow leopard and hope for saving endangered species.  But that is not the only message.

Today's event is also a tribute to the breadth and depth of the relationship between the United States and Pakistan . It is the culmination of many, many people working together – both in Pakistan and in the United States . To move Leo from the remote mountains of Pakistan to New York involved a lot of diplomatic activity. Dozens of officials – including Ambassadors in both capitals -- engaged in the dialogue. We consulted with wildlife and other authorities and worked to obtain both export and import permits. We worked with the British government to ensure a rapid transfer at Heathrow Airport to avoid the hot summer temperatures. And so on.

Nevertheless, thanks in no small measure to the work of the U.S. embassy in Islamabad and organizations like the World Conservation Union and the Wildlife Conservation Society, cooperation through diplomatic channels bore fruit. Finally in August, Leo began his long journey by car down the Karakorum Mountains of Northern Pakistan. And then by plane to London and on to New York. And, finally, here.

I am very pleased to have helped so many others in bringing him to his temporary home. Mrs. Musharraf, Steve -- our First Lady, Mrs. Bush, was so moved by Leo's story that she has sent a statement, which I would like to take this opportunity to read to you this short letter.

Dear Friends,

President Bush and I are delighted to welcome the newest ambassador from Pakistan, Leo the snow leopard cub, who is now growing and thriving at the Bronx Zoo. His long journey from a remote area in the mountains of Pakistan to the city of New York is a tribute to depth of U.S.-Pakistani cooperation, and to what can be accomplished when so many individuals within and outside the government work toward a common goal.

This beautiful cub is an ambassador of friendship; but just as more important, he is an ambassador of education. He can teach all of us so much about how to save other endangered snow leopards, and about our responsibilities as stewards of the earth. The President and I wish Leo a very happy stay at the Bronx Zoo.

Sincerely,

Laura Bush (signed)

Thank you.