Welsh Mountain Zoo Welcomes Rare Snow Leopard Cub, Sparking Conservation Enthusiasm

The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Upper Colwyn Bay celebrates the birth of a snow leopard cub, the first in a decade, as part of its conservation efforts for the vulnerable species.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Upper Colwyn Bay recently celebrated the birth of a rare snow leopard cub on June 12, 2024. This event marks the first snow leopard birth at the zoo in a decade. The cub, whose gender and name have yet to be determined, was born to parents Padme and Sumbe within the zoo's Silk Road habitat, which was completed in 2021.

This birth is notable as snow leopards are classified as vulnerable in the wild. The zoo contributes to the Snow Leopard Trust, donating over £10,000 since 2017, to help in the conservation efforts for these animals. Chris Mitchell, CEO of the Welsh Mountain Zoo, expressed his enthusiasm about the cub's arrival and highlighted the importance of breeding programs for the species' future conservation.

Visitors can now view the mother and cub through a window in their habitat, offering a rare sighting of the young snow leopard. The zoo hopes to share more glimpses of the cub as it starts to explore its environment in the coming weeks.