CCTV 'absolutely pivotal' at Smarden's Big Cat Sanctuary

BBC News

05-06-2025

An animal sanctuary has said that CCTV cameras are "absolutely pivotal" to their work as animal conservationists. The Big Cat Sanctuary, in Smarden, Kent, is dedicated to the conservation and rescue of cats. The sanctuary welcomed its latest arrival of an endangered snow leopard cub, nicknamed 'Little Lady', on 10 May. Curator Briony Smith told the BBC that CCTV "allows us to monitor the mothers, monitor the cubs, but also give them a bit of distance and not get too involved".
Ms Smith acknowledged that a new cub was "just so cute" but explained that it was important people didn't lose sight of the work that they do. 'Little Lady's' mother, Laila, has had three previous litters with breeding partner Yarko as part of the sanctuary's wider European breeding programme.As well as monitoring new cubs through cameras, keepers and trainers at the sanctuary work closely with the cats to build the trust necessary for medical procedures.Laila's primary trainer Simon Jackaman has worked with her for seven years and even built an ultrasound table for the snow leopard. Mr Jackaman said he completed "mock scans" with Laila leading up to the pregnancy to get her used to human contact.
Snow leopards are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list, with an estimated 2,700 to 3,300 mature adults remaining in the wild.The sanctuary is hoping that the new cub will be out in its enclosure in August, following essential vaccinations.