'Adorable' first ever snow leopard cub born at Chester Zoo in 'significant moment' for conservation
The first ever snow leopard cub has been born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history.
The six-week-old carnivore has been tucked away in a den with all of its early moments caught on camera.
It was born after parents Nubra and Yashin were carefully matched together as part of a breeding programme to protect the population of the species.
Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, with as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.
Carnivore experts at the zoo say Nubra is showing "excellent maternal instincts" and has been nursing her arrival every few hours.
She has been keeping close by, only leaving the den momentarily to feed.
Dave Hall, Team Manager of Carnivores at Chester Zoo said: "This is her first cub and she's doing an exceptional job of caring for her little one - feeding regularly and staying snuggled away in a cosy, behind-the-scenes den, where the pair have been quietly bonding and getting to know one another."
He added: 'This is the first snow leopard cub to be born at Chester Zoo. It's a truly historic moment and a real cause for celebration - not just for our teams here but also for the future of this magnificent species globally."
The carnivore team have stayed well away from the den to ensure it is a peaceful area for the leopards, deciding to use CCTV cameras to monitor the cub's development.
The cub has gained in strength and confidence, and is expected to venture outside at any moment.
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ITV News
24-07-2025
- ITV News
'Adorable' first ever snow leopard cub born at Chester Zoo in 'significant moment' for conservation
CCTV footage shows the precious early moments between the newborn cub and her mum Nubra. The first ever snow leopard cub has been born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history. The six-week-old carnivore has been tucked away in a den with all of its early moments caught on camera. It was born after parents Nubra and Yashin were carefully matched together as part of a breeding programme to protect the population of the species. Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, with as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild. Carnivore experts at the zoo say Nubra is showing "excellent maternal instincts" and has been nursing her arrival every few hours. She has been keeping close by, only leaving the den momentarily to feed. Dave Hall, Team Manager of Carnivores at Chester Zoo said: "This is her first cub and she's doing an exceptional job of caring for her little one - feeding regularly and staying snuggled away in a cosy, behind-the-scenes den, where the pair have been quietly bonding and getting to know one another." He added: 'This is the first snow leopard cub to be born at Chester Zoo. It's a truly historic moment and a real cause for celebration - not just for our teams here but also for the future of this magnificent species globally." The carnivore team have stayed well away from the den to ensure it is a peaceful area for the leopards, deciding to use CCTV cameras to monitor the cub's development. The cub has gained in strength and confidence, and is expected to venture outside at any moment. Want more on the issues affecting the North? Our podcast, From the North answers the questions that matter to our region.
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