The cub’s birth follows the opening of Chester Zoo’s Himalayan habitat in May 2024
Snow leopard cub born at Chester Zoo(Image: Chester Zoo)
A rare snow leopard was born at Chester Zoo this month in an exciting new addition to the attraction. The adorable cub is the first of its kind to be born at the zoo in its 94-year history. After arriving to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, both aged three, on Tuesday June 10, 2025, the mum and cub have since spent time quietly tucked away in a cosy den and all of their adorable early moments have been caught on the zoo’s ‘den cams’.
Carnivore experts say at six-weeks-old, the cub has gained in strength and confidence and could start to venture outside at “any moment.” The cub’s parents were matched together in 2024 as part of an international conservation breeding programme that’s working to secure a healthy insurance population for the highly endangered species in the world’s leading zoos.
Known throughout the world for its beautiful fur and elusive behaviour, the endangered snow leopard (Panthera uncia) is usually found in the rugged mountains of Central Asia.
Human threats have created an uncertain future for the cats. Scientists estimate that there may only be between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards left in the wild.
A special moment has happened at Chester Zoo as a rare snow leopard has been born(Image: Chester Zoo)
Its extra large paws keep the cat from sinking into the snow. The animal also sports excellent camouflage thanks to its grey-white fur with its dark spots and rosettes.
Dave Hall, Team Manager of carnivores at Chester Zoo, said: “This is the first snow leopard cub to be born at Chester Zoo. It’s a truly historic moment and a real cause for celebration – not just for our teams here but also for the future of this magnificent species globally.
“The cub is now just six-weeks-old and it’s still really early days, but new mum Nubra has taken to motherhood brilliantly and is showing excellent maternal instincts.
“This is her first cub and she’s doing an exceptional job of caring for her little one – feeding regularly and staying snuggled away in a cosy, behind-the-scenes den.
“The pair has been quietly bonding and getting to know one another.”
Dave added: “Since the cub was born our carnivore team has kept the den area nice and peaceful and stayed well away, instead using CCTV cameras to monitor the cub’s development.“It’s just fantastic to see the cub growing stronger and more confident each day. What’s really exciting is that it could decide to follow mum Nubra outside at any moment to start exploring the outside world.”
The cub’s birth follows the opening of Chester Zoo’s Himalayan habitat in May 2024 – a vast, rocky environment that authentically recreates the mountainous terrain of Central Asia using more than 600 tonnes of scree and stone – providing the perfect setting for Nubra and Yashin to settle and start a family.
Zookeepers say they will confirm the sex of the cub at a later date once it has undergone its first health check-up with the zoo’s vets. The zoo is working with fellow conservation charity the Snow Leopard Trust to protect the big cats in Asia.