Chester Zoo, renowned for its commitment to wildlife conservation, has recently welcomed two snow leopards, Yashin and Nubra, marking a historic moment in the zoo’s 93-year history. This guide provides an in-depth look at the snow leopards, their new habitat, and Chester Zoo’s conservation efforts.

The Snow Leopards: Yashin and Nubra

Yashin and Nubra are both 18 months old and have been carefully selected from European zoos to participate in a conservation breeding program. They are known for their playful, curious, and energetic nature. Snow leopards are highly threatened, with fewer than 3,500 remaining in the wild. They face numerous threats, including habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.

The New Snow Leopard Habitat

Chester Zoo has created a state-of-the-art habitat for Yashin and Nubra, designed to authentically recreate the rocky terrain of the Himalayan mountains. The habitat features more than 600 tonnes of scree and rocks, donated by Wienerberger UK, the world’s largest producer of bricks. It includes two large outdoor areas with rocky outcrops, shallow cave retreats, ledges, and steep rugged cliffs, providing the snow leopards with a stimulating and enriching environment.

The habitat also includes air-cooled caves, which offer visitors nose-to-nose viewing opportunities and provide shelter and a cool place for the snow leopards when the weather is warm outside. These caves are designed to replicate the climate of their high, mountainous habitat.

Conservation Efforts

Chester Zoo is committed to protecting snow leopards and their habitats. The zoo is collaborating with the Snow Leopard Trust to conserve snow leopards and support local communities living alongside them. The zoo’s efforts aim to foster coexistence between humans and snow leopards by safely building up communities’ resilience to the big cats and helping them generate income through sustainable livelihood initiatives.

Visiting Chester Zoo’s Snow Leopards

Visitors can observe Yashin and Nubra in their new habitat, which opens to the public on Monday, 25 March. Admission is free with normal zoo admission, and booking online in advance is recommended to get the best value and save up to 15% off gate prices.

Engaging with Conservation

Chester Zoo and National Geographic Kids have collaborated on a poster competition to celebrate the arrival of the snow leopards and inspire action to fight climate change and protect the species. Participants can submit their posters for a chance to win various prizes, including having their poster displayed near the new snow leopard habitat, admission tickets to see the snow leopards, £50 to spend on food and drink at the zoo, and snow leopard plushies.

References:
– Chester Zoo: Snow Leopard
– Snow Leopards Make Historic Debut at Chester Zoo
– Snow Leopards Arrive in Spring
– BBC News: Chester Zoo Welcomes Snow Leopards