Endangered baby snow leopard gets first health check at zoo

By Ed Chatterton

Adorable photos show careful keepers giving a rare baby snow leopard her first health check after it was born at Chester Zoo.

The cub was born to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, both aged three, at the Cheshire attraction on June 10 this year.

The arrival was hailed a "significant moment" for snow leopard conservation and is the first of its kind to be born at the zoo in its 94-year history.

Now, at nearly two months old, the cub has been examined, sexed, weighed and vaccinated - with checks revealing she is female.

Keepers say the playful new arrival is growing in strength and confidence every day, with mum Nubra watching over her new cub closely.

Mark Brayshaw, head of mammals at Chester Zoo, said: “At eight weeks old, the cub has undergone the first of two all-important health checks.

"These quick examinations by the zoo’s vets are really important for us to make sure the cub is healthy and in good physical condition.

"We recorded the cub’s weight, checked its heartbeat, eyes and teeth before swiftly returning the cub to mom Nubra.

"As a first-time mom she is fiercely protective, so we really didn't want to hang around.

“We’re very happy to report that the cub was given a clean bill of health and we can finally reveal that it is indeed a female.

"Now comes one of the toughest tasks of all - choosing a name worthy of such a special arrival.

“What matters most though, is that we have a thriving cub that represents real hope for this magnificent species.

"Snow leopards are disappearing from the wild, and every birth is a vital step forward for the conservation breeding program.

"Here at Chester, we’re combining this work with vital projects in Asia alongside the Snow Leopard Trust, and together, we’re determined to secure a future where these iconic big cats can once again thrive.”

Parents Nubra and Yashin were matched together in 2024 as part of an international conservation breeding program working to ensure a healthy insurance population for the highly endangered species.

Snow leopards are classed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with as few as 4,000 now remaining in the wild.

Snow Leopard Fact File:

Scientific Name: Panthera uncia

Habitat: High mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas

Threats in the Wild: Habitat loss, poaching and human-wildlife conflict

Distinctive Features: Thick fur for insulation, large paws for balance on steep terrain, and a long tail for balance and warmth.

Adaptations: Exceptional leaping and athletic ability, enabling them to cover great distances in pursuit of prey animals.