Our new snow leopard extension is now open

We asked and you delivered!

We’re delighted our new snow leopard extension is now open! Thank you to everyone who donated to our fundraising appeal, your generous donations, amounting to £15,976, have helped us double the size of our snow leopard habitat.

At the moment, the extension is only being used by our female snow leopard, Irina, as she and Warjun, the young male brought in last year continue to be kept separately. Irina has already been exploring the new area and enjoying the additional space it affords her to roam and scent mark.

Carrie Arnold, Carnivore Team Leader said: “The extension to the snow leopard habitat has been an exciting project for the Carnivore Team to develop and we are so grateful for everyone who donated to make it possible.

“The new section will double the size of the existing snow leopard habitat, providing a larger, more enhanced space for our two residing snow leopards female, Irina and male, Warjun.

“The new terrain broadens the positive life experiences within their environment with natural behaviours, such as territorial patrol and scent marking being increased, alongside providing new areas for resting and playing.

“At the moment, Irina has full access to the new habitat and will soon be joined by Warjun. We are all looking forward to seeing them explore their extended habitat!”

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List currently records snow leopards as Vulnerable in the wild with numbers continuing to decrease. It is estimated that up to 8,022 snow leopards remain in the wild in central Asia from the Himalayas to the mountains of Siberia, but the exact number is unknown as they are extremely elusive.

Snow leopards are incredibly well adapted to life in the mountains with fur that blends into their stony surroundings and long bushy tails they wrap around themselves to stay warm whilst resting. They have shorter front legs and long back legs which enable them to jump 10-15 metres in a single leap or 2 metres straight up.

Snow leopards have been an important part of Marwell’s conservation work since they first arrived at the zoo in 1977. Since then, the zoo has welcomed 12 litters of cubs who have all gone on to play their part in species conservation for generations to come.

As well as giving our snow leopards a great environment in which to thrive, the extension offers guests new vantage points from which to see our snow leopards in action. Plus, new signage shows guests how we’re helping snow leopards in the wild through conservation projects.

Marwell is proud to work on initiatives to safeguard the future of snow leopards in China, Kazakhstan and Bhutan as well as working collaboratively across international borders to protect the future of snow leopards in the wild.