Snow leopard pregnant for the fourth time

An animal sanctuary in Kent has confirmed that one of its snow leopards is pregnant for the fourth time.

The Big Cat Sanctuary, in Smarden, confirmed that Laila was pregnant after she had an ultrasound scan.

It said it was only the second time it had been able to confirm a pregnancy by this method as snow leopards were naturally "shy".

The animals are also incredibly rare and are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list, with between just 2,700 and 3,300 mature adults left in the wild.

The centre was able to confirm the pregnancy after trainer Simon Jackaman built up the animal's trust enough that it was able to participate in the ultrasound sessions, carried out by the sanctuary's vet Valerie Freeman.

A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: "This remarkable cooperation overcomes the natural shyness and elusiveness of snow leopards, allowing the keeping team to proactively prepare for the safe and successful arrival of Laila's cub or cubs.

Mr Jackaman said he had been "amazed" by Laila's calm nature and willingness to engage with humans.

"It's a testament to the relationship we've built over the years," he said.

"We are over the moon that the ultrasound has now confirmed that Laila will be expecting her fourth litter."

The first litter in 2019 was of two males, Koshi and Khumbu, with another male cub, Shen, arriving in 2021. Laila then had twins in 2023 - Attan, a male, and Zaya, the first female snow leopard born at the centre.

The sanctuary's staff are making preparations for the arrival of the next litter in May or June by "cub-proofing" the den.

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