The Big Cat Sanctuary has reached an incredible milestone; an ultrasound has confirmed that Laila, one of our beloved snow leopards, is expecting her fourth litter with breeding partner, Yarko. This achievement marks a powerful step forward in our commitment to the breeding and conservation of this endangered species.
Over the past few months, Simon Jackaman, Laila’s dedicated primary trainer, has been working closely with her to voluntarily participate in ultrasound sessions with our veterinarian, Valerie Freeman. This is no small feat as snow leopards are naturally elusive and shy. The strong bond and trust between Simon and Laila made it possible for her to calmly undergo the procedure. Thanks to this breakthrough, our keeping team can now begin preparing for the safe and successful arrival of Laila’s cub(s). This is the second time a snow leopard pregnancy has been confirmed through ultrasound at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
“Laila continues to amaze us with her calm nature and willingness to engage in this process.” Says Simon Jackaman, Laila’s primary trainer. “It’s a testament to the relationship we’ve built over the years. We are over the moon that the ultrasound has now confirmed that Laila will be expecting her fourth litter.”
The Big Cat Sanctuary plays an important role in the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme, working to protect vulnerable species like the snow leopard. Currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated 2700-3300 mature adults remaining in the wild, snow leopards face mounting threats from climate change, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. They are predicted to lose 30% of their habitat due to climate change in the next 50-100 years. Through responsible breeding, we aim to maintain a genetically healthy population in captivity to safeguard the species for future generations.
Laila and Yarko have been a breeding pair for many years, welcoming their first litter in 2019; two boys Koshi and Khumbu. In 2021, Laila gave birth to Shen, another male snow leopard. All three have moved to play their vital role in the breeding programme just like their parents. In 2023, Laila gave birth to two more cubs: a male named Attan and a female named Zaya, the first female snow leopard born at the sanctuary. Zaya has now moved to Marwell Zoo, while Attan remains at the sanctuary and will soon move on. Both species will be part of the breeding programme for their species.
Koshi and Khumbu
Shen
Zaya and Attan
With Laila’s next litter potentially arriving in May, the team is already preparing. Her den is being made ‘cub-proof,’ and she’ll be closely monitored as she approaches her expected due date. While we don’t yet know how many cubs she’s carrying, this will be confirmed on the day she gives birth. Once the cub(s) arrive, standard health checks will be carried out, and following their vaccinations at around 12 weeks they will take their first steps outside, an exciting milestone in their journey.
This is an incredibly exciting time for The Big Cat Sanctuary as we continue to champion the conservation of snow leopards and strive to be a global centre of breeding excellence. Laila’s fourth is not just a success for our sanctuary, but a symbol of hope for one of the world’s most elusive and endangered big cats.
Stay tuned as we continue to share this exciting chapter with you.