New Snow Leopard Spotted at Highland Wildlife Park

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 3, 2020 10:38 pm

Koshi the snow leopard has made the move to Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park

Photo Credit: RZSS

A new arrival has been spotted at the Highland Wildlife Park in Scotland. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) have introduced Koshi, a snow leopard as the newest member of their family.

Koshi has moved to the Scottish highlands from the Big Cat Sanctuary where he was born in 2019. At the park he will meet resident female, Animesh with keepers hoping that the pair will breed.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park said, “We are very excited to welcome Koshi into our care and for visitors to meet him too.”

“For the first few weeks, he’ll be kept separated from Animesh as he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions.”

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Briony Smith, head keeper at The Big Cat Sanctuary said, “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.”

Keith added, “Although we will miss Animesh’s cubs, Leannain and Stardust, as they move to their new home at Northumberland Zoo today, these moves are vital to the breeding programme.

“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.”