Our beautiful snow leopard Zaya, will be embarking, Zaya, will be embarking on a brand-new adventure as she moves to her new home at Marwell Wildlife! She is set to leave our sanctuary on February 27th, and while we will miss her dearly, we know this move is an exciting new chapter for her!
Zaya will be joining their resident male, Warjun, as part of the Endangered Species Breeding Programme, which plays a vital role in the conservation of these magnificent big cats. This carefully managed programme helps to ensure the survival of snow leopards for future generations, and we are incredibly proud that Zaya will be contributing to such an important cause.
Zaya was born at our sanctuary on 1st July 2023, alongside her brother Attan. She was the very first female snow leopard born at The Big Cat Sanctuary to proud parents Laila and Yarko, making her an extra-special addition to our family. Since birth, Zaya has captured the hearts of our staff, volunteers, and visitors with her playful personality and stunning beauty. Watching her grow and develop has been an absolute joy.
In January 2024, Zaya underwent surgery on her eye due to an infection. A team of dedicated specialist vets performed a delicate procedure to remove layers of her cornea, successfully saving her eye without the need for removal. While the surgery left some discoloration, it hasn’t slowed Zaya down one bit! She continues to live her best life, running, playing and climbing just as she always has.
Although saying goodbye is never easy, we are comforted knowing that she will be in excellent hands at Marwell Zoo, where she will have the chance to form a bond with Warjun and, hopefully, contribute to the future of her species.
We will, of course, keep you updated on Zaya’s journey and share how she settles into her new home once she has safely arrived. In the meantime, please join us in wishing her the best of luck as she takes this next exciting step in her journey!