Two iconic snow leopards have arrived at Chester zoo, ahead of the opening of its new Himalayan habitat
It’s the first time in its 93-year history that their carnivore experts have cared for the highly threatened species.
The immersive habitat – which is now home to male leopard Yashin and female Nubra – has been designed to authentically recreate the rocky terrain of the Himalayan mountains using more than 600 tonnes of scree and rocks, kindly donated by Wienerberger UK – the world’s largest producer of bricks.
The habitat has two large outdoors areas, featuring rocky outcrops, shallow cave retreats, ledges and steep rugged cliffs.
Having overhangs under which the snow leopards can mark their scent is key to recreating the wild experience. In their native home, upper surfaces are often covered with snow and using the underside of a ledge helps to preserve the scent message for much longer.
Air-cooled caves will take visitors nose-to-nose with the snow leopards while providing shelter and a cool place for the big cats when the weather is warm outside. The cooler temperatures in these caves are designed to replicate the climate of their high, mountainous habitat.
The arrival of snow leopards is a huge milestone in our zoo’s long history and signifies our commitment to protecting another of the world’s most threatened big cat species.@ said Mike Jordan, Director of Animals and Plants
Mike continued to say:
“Yashin and Nubra are both just over 18 months old, so they’re incredibly playful, inquisitive and full of energy. They’re also both now at the age where they’d naturally start to leave their mother and become independent, which is why they’ve been paired up here at Chester Zoo as part of a European conservation breeding programme, which is working to safeguard the species from becoming extinct.
“Now that they’ve had some time to settle in and explore their new home here in Chester, the pair appear to have really hit it off and, in time, we’re hopeful that they’ll go on to have cubs together.
“This incredible new habitat not only offers visitors spectacular viewing opportunities and a fascinating glimpse into the harsh, yet beautiful world that snow leopards inhabit. It’ll also help conservationists here to learn more about the lives of these iconic cats, helping to further support global conservation efforts for the species.”
