£1m redevelopment of Snow Leopard enclosure at the Welsh Mountain Zoo now complete

‘Silk Road’ recreates the mountainous regions in which the vulnerable species lives in the wild.

The snow leopard enclosure has been designed to offer visitors a nose-to-nose visual experience through glass, whilst an elevated walkway journeys around the site, offering panoramic views across the zoo, located in Colwyn Bay, and the surrounding Carneddau Mountains.

A Snow Leopard making the most of their new spacious surroundings. Picture: Welsh Mountain Zoo

Jen Jesse, director of Operations and Administration, said: “It’s wonderful to finally see this fantastic space completed and the snow leopards firmly settled in.

"Our keeping team did an excellent job in ensuring that the move went smoothly and after a period of familiarisation with their new surroundings, the pair were given access to the main enclosure and have since been exploring their new home.

“The Silk Road is an important chapter in the 58-year history of the Zoo. This new enclosure will add something totally different and unique to visitors, both new and returning.”

‘Silk Road’ recreates the mountainous regions in which the vulnerable species lives in the wild. Picture: Welsh Mountain Zoo

The zoo is home to a pair of snow leopards and through the years has become increasingly involved in conservation campaigns and projects to raise awareness of their vulnerable status, having made an annual commitment to support the Snow Leopard Trust.

The Silk Road will help highlight their position in the wild, whilst creating an exciting and innovative enclosure that will form an important part of the Zoo’s future.