Rare snow leopard cubs born at Highland Wildlife Park

Two rare snow leopard cubs have been born at the Highland Wildlife Park.

This is the first litter at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) site at Kincraig in four years.

Keepers said the twins were born on Monday 25 May to first-time mum Pari and her mate Koshi.

The park said the sex of the new arrivals was not yet known and would be confirmed during their first health check.

RZSS said the cubs would remain in their den for a few weeks before exploring its entrance. The cubs will live alongside their mum for up to two years.

Lucy Petrie, animal care manager at the park, said: "After months of carefully introducing Koshi and Pari and giving nature the opportunity to take its course, we're delighted to see that patience pay off."

She added that because Pari was a first-time mum keepers were monitoring how she was managing the twins.

Petrie said Pari had been doing a "wonderful job" of raising the cubs so far.

Snow leopard cubs usually do not open their eyes until about a week after birth.

For the first two months they rely solely on their mother's milk, eating meat as they grow stronger.

The keepers have Pari and the litter living apart from Koshi until they reach an age where they will be ready to meet.

They said this behaviour was natural, with the mother taking responsibility for raising the offspring.

Lucy Petrie said "While the cuteness is an excellent reason to be excited, it's even better for the snow leopard population, which is decreasing in the wild.

"These new faces are going to be great ambassadors for their wild relatives, helping raise awareness of the challenges this beautiful and enigmatic species face every day."