'Playful' snow leopard Koshi set to delight visitors at Highland Wildlife Park
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Fans of the Highland Wildlife Park by Kincraig have reacted with delight at confirmation that a new male snow leopard will soon be arriving.
Koshi is expected to make the big move from The Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford in Kent to the Highlands next week.
There are hopes that he will mate with Animesh and produce cubs to bolster the population of the incredibly rare big cat.
Keith Gilchrist, HWP animal collection manager, said, “We are very excited to be welcoming Koshi into our care and we can’t wait for our visitors to meet him too. As snow leopards are vulnerable in the wild, it is important to ensure genetic diversity within the programme to safeguard the future of the species.”
The Big Cat Sanctuary said they will be very sorry to see Koshi leave, and said that he and his brother were two of the most playful cubs they have ever had on site.
Head keeper Briony Smith said: “We know our friends at the Highland Wildlife Park will take great care of Koshi and they have an incredible enclosure waiting for him. He will also meet his breeding partner there and hopefully contribute to the endangered species breeding programme in the near future.”
Wildlife park social media follower Joanne Mcvey said: “So exciting! Incredibly happy that you’ve found a new companion for Animesh. Cannot wait to meet him.”
Ruth Vaughan-Henry posted: “Awesome news. I am so delighted for the wildlife park after the sad loss of Chan. I’m sure Animesh will adore him.”
The park’s two 14-month old female cubs – Leannain and Stardust – will be making their delayed move to the Northumberland Country Zoo near Felton in Northumberland next week where a new purpose-built enclosure is awaiting them.
The previous HWP resident male Chan was put to sleep in September on veterinary advice.
He suffered from feline herpes virus (FHV) and also an inherited disorder causing painful eye problems.
It costs £40 every week to feed Animesh and her cubs.
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