Chester Zoo has achieved a historic milestone in its 93-year journey by welcoming two snow leopards for the first time.
Yashin and Nubra, the newly arrived snow leopards, are expected to contribute to the zoo’s conservation efforts by potentially having cubs in the future.
To provide a suitable habitat for these highly endangered big cats, the zoo has constructed a purpose-built home using over 600 tonnes of rocks. Inspired by the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, where snow leopards are typically found in the high mountains of Asia, the enclosure aims to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.
Yashin, the male leopard, and Nubra, the female, are both just over 18 months old and were brought to Chester Zoo from zoos across Europe. They were carefully selected as part of an important breeding program aimed at safeguarding the species.
According to conservationists, Yashin and Nubra have formed a strong bond and have “really hit it off,” raising hopes for successful breeding in the future.
Mike Jordan, the zoo’s director of animals and plants, described the pair as “incredibly playful, inquisitive, and full of energy.” He noted that they have reached an age where they would naturally start to become independent from their mothers.
