Roaring with excitement as two rare big cats arrive at Marwell Zoo

We’re thrilled to welcome two new big cats to the 140-acre park! A beautiful female snow leopard, Zaya, and a magnificent male Amur tiger, Pasha, are settling into their new habitats, bringing even more excitement to the zoo this year.

Zaya, an 18-month-old snow leopard, arrived at Marwell on Thursday 27 February 2025, from The Big Cat Sanctuary. Born on 1 July 2023, she grew up alongside her brother, Attan and has now joined Marwell’s male snow leopard, Warjun, as part of a conservation breeding programme.

In January 2024, Zaya underwent an eye operation due to an infection. Thanks to the expert care from the specialist vets at The Big Cat Sanctuary, her eye was successfully treated and other than some discolouration which you may notice, she has fully recovered.

Snow leopards are classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, with an estimated 3,000 mature individuals in the wild.

Pasha, a five-year-old Amur tiger, has also arrived at Marwell from Port Lympne Safari Park. He has settled in quickly and has been spotted interacting with our female Amur tiger, Valentina, through the fence line between their habitats.

Amur tigers are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with approximately 3,000 mature individuals in the wild.

Both cats are part of the EAZA Ex-situ Breeding Programme (EEP) which plays a crucial role in ensuring healthy and thriving populations of endangered species.

Carrie Arnold, Carnivore Team Leader, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Zaya and Pasha to Marwell Zoo! Having not one, but two big cats arrive in the same week has been a great experience for our team. They’ve both been settling in well, showing curiosity and confidence as they explore their new habitats.

We can’t wait for everyone to meet them and learn about the vital conservation projects we’re doing to protect these species.”

Marwell is committed to big cat conservation both in the zoo and in the wild. As part of its wider initiatives, Marwell proudly collaborates with partners in China, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, and across international borders to protect the future of snow leopards. Thanks to a legacy donation, Marwell launched a pioneering conservation project in Bhutan, working alongside Buddhist scholars and conservationists to help safeguard the future of endangered tigers.

As well as the exciting new arrivals, Marwell Zoo has plenty in store for visitors this year! This Easter Holiday, embark on an adventure with their Around the World in 80 species event. Plus, a new café open to the public, The Keeper’s Kitchen, is set to open in May 2025.

Marwell Zoo is home to more than 140 rare and endangered species, and by visiting Marwell, you are contributing to the vital conservation projects here in the United Kingdom and across the globe.