Snow leopard cubs at Marwell Wildlife

Three snow leopard cubs have taken their very first steps outside into their new home. The 12-week old triplets were keen to explore their surroundings by climbing rocks, play fighting and chasing mum! These beautiful cubs are not only wonderful to watch but they also represent something much more important.
Marwell's conservation biologist, Heidi Mitchell said: "Marwell has been working alongside the EEP for the snow leopards, which is coordinated from Helsinki Zoo, since the 1970's.
"Our three new cubs are of critical importance to the breeding programme."
"Snow leopards, like all big cat species, are threatened in the wild. This means that maintaining a healthy captive population of snow leopards is of vital importance to the global conservation strategy for the species."
Marwell's carnivore keepers have named the female cubs Kamala and Kitana, and now they are asking the public to help them name the male cub.
The winning name will be picked by our carnivore keepers and the prize is an exclusive behind the scenes experience at the snow leopard home.
Please visit http://www.marwell.org.uk/cubs for more details on how to submit your chosen name and for terms and conditions.
A brand new snow leopard adoption of Irina and her cubs is now available to celebrate the arrival of our new cubs. As well as the usual adoption benefits you'll also get a cute snow leopard cub cuddly toy! http://www.marwell.org.uk/adopt/animals/irina-and-cubs.asp
Video created by http://www.rostand.co.uk