Snow leopard cubs venture outside for first time at Highland Wildlife Park

Two rare snow leopard cubs born at the Highland Wildlife Park last month have taken their first steps outside of their den to explore their surroundings.

The twins were born in May to first-time mum Pari and her mate Koshi, and the first litter at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) site at Kincraig in four years.

Now weeks old, the curious pair are venturing further from their mother's den.

Keepers at RZSS said they would determine the sex of the cubs and name them when they have their first health check in the coming months.

Snow leopards are native to the high, rugged mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, but they face threats from habitat loss, poaching and a declining availability of prey.

Lucy Petrie, animal care manager at the park, said: "While the cuteness is an excellent reason to be excited, it's even better for the snow leopard population, which is decreasing in the wild.

"These new faces are going to be great ambassadors for their wild relatives, helping raise awareness of the challenges this beautiful and enigmatic species face every day."

RZSS said the cubs would live alongside their mum for up to two years.