Twycross Zoo, located in the Midlands of England, is home to a pair of snow leopards, Irma and Khumbu. These majestic creatures are part of the zoo’s conservation efforts, with Twycross Zoo being involved in the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP) since 2010. The zoo has seen great success in breeding snow leopards, with three sets of twin cubs born since 2011.

The Snow Leopards of Twycross Zoo

Irma, a 15-year-old female snow leopard, has been at Twycross Zoo since 2010. Khumbu, a 4-year-old male snow leopard, arrived at the zoo in 2022 from The Big Cat Sanctuary as a recommended breeding partner for Irma. In July 2023, the pair was introduced to each other in their main enclosure after a series of supervised introductions, and they are now sharing the enclosure, giving an exciting opportunity for big cat breeding to take place.

Snow Leopard Characteristics

Snow leopards are solitary animals, except when they have cubs, which they care for up to a year. They are excellent parents, with mothers lining a cave with their fur to insulate their cubs against the cold. Their feet work like snow shoes, allowing them to sneak over the fresh powder without making a sound, which helps them stalk their prey, which include large and small animals including bharal sheep, ibex, and marmots.

The Twycross Zoo Snow Leopard Habitat

At Twycross Zoo, the snow leopard habitat can be found at the Himalaya Centre adjacent to the zoo entrance. The zoo offers a programme of enrichment for all its animals, including snow leopards, which helps to enhance their well-being.

Supporting Twycross Zoo’s Conservation Efforts

Visitors can support the zoo’s conservation efforts by purchasing items from the zoo’s Amazon Wishlist, which helps to provide enrichment for the animals and keep their habitats well maintained.

Celebrating Khumbu’s Birthday

In June 2023, Twycross Zoo celebrated the third birthday of Khumbu, the three-year-old male snow leopard who arrived at the zoo from The Big Cat Sanctuary. Khumbu has taken his first steps into the public outdoor enclosure and has been busy exploring his new habitat.

Conclusion

Twycross Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of snow leopards and has seen great success in breeding this endangered species. Visitors can support the zoo’s conservation efforts by purchasing items from the zoo’s Amazon Wishlist and learning about the importance of protecting this elusive and beautiful species.

References:
– Twycross Zoo – Snow Leopard Twins Born at Twycross Zoo
– Twycross Zoo – Khumbu and Irma Have Moved in Together
– Twycross Zoo – Celebrating Our Latest Arrival, Khumbu, on His Birthday
– Twycross Zoo – Snow Leopard
– BBC News – Twycross Zoo Celebrates Birth of Snow Leopard Twins