June saw Chester Zoo celebrate the arrival of its first ever snow leopard cub.
Now, the leading conservationist has shared its first glimpse of the big-cat-to-be with film collected on dedicated den cams. A key component in the zoo’s efforts to monitor the new-born’s wellbeing and progress while ensuring mother and cub enjoy privacy, the discreet digital cameras captured precious early moments of the youngster.
The cub was born to new parents, Yashin (father) and Nubra (mother), both three years old. Since the birth, Nubra and her cub have been nestled in their quiet den. A natural mum, Nubra has displayed impressive maternal instincts, attentively nursing when needed and briefly leaving just to feed.
Footage of the cute cub, who is just six weeks old, shows its development in detail. While the new-born already has distinctive snow leopard marking on show, the growing feline can be seen mastering its first steps and discovering balance. Nubra can be seen taking the cub by the scruff to keep the youngster secure in the den and carrying out an affectionate clean.
Dr Nick Davis, Chester Zoo’s manager for mammals, commented that snow leopards are categorised as vulnerable to extinction, adding:
“Nicknamed the “ghosts of the mountains”, these elusive big cats live in the rugged, high-altitude regions of Central Asia and the Himalayas. But even in these remote places, they’re under threat – from shrinking habitats, climate change, illegal hunting and conflict with people.”
Keepers recently sexed the cub and, after discovering it is female, will soon select a name.