MARWELL Zoo has launched a fundraiser to redevelop its snow leopard enclosure.

Built in 2005, the original habitat was designed to simulate a Himalayan ravine with naturalist rock outcrops.

Now the zoo is hoping to make it a better home for its snow leopards, doubling its size to allow breeding and enable zookeepers to meet the behavioural needs of a family or group.

In the wild, snow leopards are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List with numbers continuing to decrease.

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It is thought there are now between 2,500 and 10,000 mature snow leopards in the wild, with experts predicting this number will decrease by 10 per cent over the next three generations.

As a result, it’s never been more important to ensure that there is a healthy, genetically diverse population of snow leopards in zoos, as a back up to populations in the wild.

In order to make Marwell’s ambition for a larger home for its snow leopards a reality, the zoo has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £20,000 towards the project. Extending the area will cost Marwell Wildlife more than £150,000 and is vital to ensuring it continues to meet the demands of these big cats in the zoo.

Michelle Duma, head of fundraising, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for all of our supporters to help us deliver something really special for our snow leopards.

“Plus, anybody that donates £25 or more, will be invited to attend an exclusive snow leopard conservation talk with our Director of Conservation, Professor Philip Riordan.

“Not only will you be helping snow leopard conservation at the zoo, you’ll be helping us write the next chapter of Marwell’s story.”

The extension will provide the snow leopards with a much larger area to explore, whilst giving guests additional vantage points.

A camera feed will be installed so that guests can see the snow leopards enjoying their indoor as well as outdoor space and Marwell will be installing information panels to tell guests about its conservation work with this species.

Carrie Arnold, Carnivore team leader said: “The snow leopard expansion project offers different environments and a larger space to increase the positive life experiences we’re able to offer our animals.

“It will also enable greater welfare for breeding snow leopards in the future – something we’re very excited to explore going forward.”

To donate towards the snow leopard enclosure works visit: marwell_wildlife.donr.com/snow_leopard2.