The team at the Highland Wildlife Park are delighted to announce the arrival of a male snow leopard.
The staff at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland say they hope the park’s current female Animesh and the new arrival, who is named Koshi, will have cubs in the future.
Koshi, who is settling in at the park near Aviemore, arrived from The Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford where he was born in 2019.
Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, stated that they are very excited to welcome Koshi into their care and for visitors to meet him too, he said: “For the first few weeks, he’ll be kept separated from Animesh as he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions.”
Koshi joins another high profile big cat arrival Botzman, the rare male Amur Tiger, who was also welcomed to the park in October.
Briony Smith, head keeper at The Big Cat Sanctuary, added: “Koshi holds a special place in our hearts as he, alongside his brother Khumbu were the first ever snow leopards born at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
“It’s been a real privilege to watch him grow into a gentle, friendly and loving cat and as much as we will miss him, we know he is in safe hands.
"We will be proud to see him play an active part in the International Breeding Programme to help protect his species.”
Speaking about Animesh's cubs Leannain and Stardust who are moving to their new home at Northumberland Zoo, Keith added that these moves are vital to the breeding programme, he said: “With under 3,500 snow leopards remaining in the wild, it is important that cats like Koshi are given the opportunity to father cubs, ensuring genetic diversity and ultimately safeguarding the future of the species.”
