THE Welsh Mountain Zoo has welcomed a new female snow leopard.

Padme has joined the Colwyn Bay zoo as part of a breeding programme, helping to support the conservation of this vulnerable species.

The 18-month-old made made the journey from Highland Wildlife Park, a 105-hectare safari park and zoo near Kingussie, Highland, Scotland, where she was born into a litter of three cubs.

She has joined Sumbe, a two and a half year old male, who arrived at the zoo over a year ago.

North Wales Chronicle: Padme made made the journey from Highland Wildlife ParkPadme made made the journey from Highland Wildlife Park (Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
It’s hoped romance will blossom.

Peter Litherland, collections manager at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “We have a history in caring for snow leopards here at the zoo and are keen for this to continue. With a declining population in the wild, it’s vital that we continue our work to help conserve a species that are facing threats in the wild through conservation breeding and education.

“We’re all incredibly excited about our new arrival. So far Padme is doing great, she is settling into her new surroundings well and is becoming familiar with her new companion, Sumbe.”

North Wales Chronicle: Is romance on the cards for Padme?Is romance on the cards for Padme? (Image: Welsh Mountain Zoo)
The zoo invested in an extensive £1million redevelopment of the snow leopard enclosure some three years ago to provide a habitat that emulates their own natural surroundings and environment.

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Through the years, the zoo has become increasingly involved in conservation campaigns and projects to raise awareness of the status of the species, which is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

With estimates of fewer than 3,500 snow leopards remaining in the wild, the zoo continues to make an annual commitment to support the Snow Leopard Trust, an organisation that works to protect the cat in partnership with the communities that share its habitat.