Two big cats have been welcomed to Marwell Zoo. 

A beautiful female snow leopard, Zaya, and a magnificent male Amur tiger, Pasha, are settling into their new habitats within the 140-acre Hampshire park. 

Zaya, a one-year-old snow leopard, is less than a week into her stay at her new home, where she has met male snow leopard Warjun. She arrived from The Big Cat Sanctuary where she successfully underwent an eye operation a year ago. 

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Pasha, a five-year-old Amur tiger, has also arrived at Marwell from Port Lympne Safari Park. He has settled in quickly and has been spotted interacting with Marwell’s resident female Amur tiger, Valentina, through the fence line between their habitats.

Amur tigers are listed as endangered and snow leopards as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

Both cats are part of the EAZA Ex-situ Breeding Programme (EEP) and will play an essential role in their conservation breeding programmes, ensuring healthy and thriving populations.

(Image: Marwell Wildlife) Carrie Arnold, Carnivore Team Leader, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Zaya and Pasha to Marwell Zoo! Having not one, but two big cats arrive in the same week has been a great experience for our team. They’ve both been settling in well, showing curiosity and confidence as they explore their new habitats.

"We can’t wait for everyone to meet them and learn about the vital conservation projects we’re doing to protect the species.”

Marwell is committed to big cat conservation both in the zoo and in the wild. As part of its wider initiatives, Marwell proudly collaborates with partners in China, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, and across international borders to protect the future of snow leopards. Thanks to a legacy donation, Marwell also launched a pioneering conservation project in Bhutan, working alongside Buddhist scholars and conservationists to help safeguard the future of endangered tigers.

As well as the exciting new arrivals, Marwell Zoo has plenty in store for visitors this year with an Around the World in 80 species event up first during the Easter holidays.