Snow leopard cubs take first steps at zoo

By Elizabeth Hunter

Snow leopards have been spotted taking their first steps at a zoo.

The twins, who are yet to be named, stepped outside with mom Pari.

Film shows the pair curiously looking outside, before cautiously taking a wander.

The cubs were born at Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland on May 25 - the first litter for the park in four years.

Despite being several weeks old, staff will still have to wait until their first health check to find out the sex of the cubs.

The pair are being kept separate from dad Koshi until they are mature to mimic the natural behaviour of snow leopards - who are raised solely by their mothers.

Lucy Petrie, animal care manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “After months of carefully introducing Koshi and Pari and giving nature the opportunity to take its course, we're delighted to see that patience pay off.

"We are really looking forward to our visitors meeting them as they grow and take their first steps outside of the den in the next few weeks.”

Snow leopard cubs are born blind and typically do not open their eyes until about a week after birth.

For the first two months they rely entirely on their mother’s milk, only beginning to eat meat as they grow stronger and more developed.

“Pari is a first-time mom, so we are keeping a close eye on how she is coping," said Lucy.

"Her instincts have kicked in and she is doing a wonderful job of raising the cubs.

“While the cuteness is an excellent reason to be excited, it's even better for the snow leopard population, which is decreasing in the wild.

"These new faces are going to be great ambassadors for their wild relatives, helping raise awareness of the challenges this beautiful and enigmatic species face every day.”