Snow leopard cubs to get new home at Northumberland zoo

A pair of beautiful snow leopard cubs are coming to the Northumberland Country Zoo.
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The two females will be rehomed in a spacious, new purpose-built enclosure where they’ll roam and be looked after by a team of specially trained keepers.

The zoo, near Felton, will be the first and only place in the North East to boast snow leopards as part of its collection.

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Maxine Bradle, curator at the family-run business, said: “We’re so excited to welcome the young cats to the family.

A snow leopard cub at Highland Wildlife Park.A snow leopard cub at Highland Wildlife Park.
A snow leopard cub at Highland Wildlife Park.

"Their arrival signals yet another new chapter for Northumberland Zoo, as we strive to be one of the most exciting, conservation-focused attractions in the region.

"Snow leopards are renowned for being highly elusive in the wild, so we’re truly privileged to have them here, offering the public an unprecedented chance to get up close and learn more about these beautiful creatures.

“The cats’ arrivals represent a fantastic boost for the region at a time when good news isn’t so forthcoming; we can’t wait to welcome visitors in to see them.”

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The cubs, travelling from the RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, will arrive at the beginning of November.

One of the snow leopard cubs.One of the snow leopard cubs.
One of the snow leopard cubs.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collections manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said: “It has been an incredible year watching our snow leopard cubs grow and they will be missed by everyone here. They are and continue to be an incredible ambassador for their relatives in the wild.”

Northumberland Country Zoo plans to close for a week following their arrival to allow the young cats to settle and acclimatise to their new surroundings before holding an exclusive, snow leopard-themed public reopening ceremony on the weekend of November 7-8.

Tickets for the special weekend go on sale on November 2, with Northumberland Zoo promising two unforgettable days of education and fun for the entire family.

The zoo adheres to the very highest standards of hygiene and visitor safety, meaning it is making available only a restricted number of passes.

A pair of snow leopard cubs are coming to the Northumberland Country Zoo.A pair of snow leopard cubs are coming to the Northumberland Country Zoo.
A pair of snow leopard cubs are coming to the Northumberland Country Zoo.
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Visitors will also be treated to snow leopard related goodies and Covid-19 compliant animal face painting for children.

A percentage of the weekend takings will be donated towards the vital conservation projects that are carried out by the Snow Leopard Trust.

People can visit the zoo’s website at www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk for more information.

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