Northwest attraction and global conservationist Chester Zoo recently reached a landmark moment in its snow leopard conservation programme.
Bheri, the snow leopard cub, who has delighted zoo guests and animal fans around the world online, has turned six months old.
Born back in the summer on June 10, the healthy cub has warmed the hearts of many this winter with her playful activities alongside proud dad and mum, Yashin and Nubra. To honour Bheri’s important milestone, the zoo has posted a video of the growing cub on social media.
Awe-inspiring footage sees Bheri enjoying the impressive habitat that Chester’s conservations created for the big cat family. From playing on rocky escarpments and climbing trees to chasing after her mum and dad, the cub has progressed considerably from the first videos shared by the zoo that saw her first venture beyond the den to explore her new home.
The snow leopard habitat cost £2.5 million and was meticulously and sustainably built to recreate the Himalayan home of the feline species within Chester’s 130-acre grounds. Highlights include water features, climbing structures, climate-controlled dens, a specially designed public viewing area and dedicated spaces for training and breeding.
With fluffy tails to keep them warm, small ears that help retain heat and wide paws that serve as snowshoes, snow leopards are genetically designed to exist in the coldest climates.
Visitors to Chester Zoo taking the Lanterns & Light Trail will get a chance to see Bheri and her parents as the experience passes the snow leopard enclosure. The illuminated trail will be open until January 3.