EDITOR'S NOTE: Newsflash obtained images, video and statement from Zurich Zoo.
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This adorable footage shows a trio of rare newborn snow leopard cubs curiously exploring their enclosure and playfully chasing each other around in front of delighted zoo keepers.
The all-male younglings, born at Zurich Zoo in Switzerland at the start of May, have only recently been allowed outside after two months together with their mum in the whelping box.
Footage provided to Newsflash by the zoo show the trio roaming the spacious enclosure as they gradually start to get to know the world around them.
Their carers can be heard laughing in the background at the sight of the cubs playing on a rock and scratching their claws while mum keeps a watchful eye from close by.
Zurich Zoo said in a statement: "When the three male snow leopard cubs were born in the specially equipped whelping box on 9th May, 2025, they were still blind and deaf.
"Still completely helpless, they needed their mother's care and did what all nestlings do: sleep a lot.
"Around two months later, they are now curiously and independently embarking on an exciting exploration of the Panthera habitat.
"Initially, they are exploring the mountainous area.
"Over the next few weeks, they will gradually explore the other three rotation areas of the habitat—deciduous forest, clearing, and dry forest."
The zoo added: "They are small, fluffy, and, above all, important for the conservation of this endangered big cat species."
Snow leopards (Panthera uncia) are elusive big cats native to the high mountain ranges of Central and South Asia, including the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
Adapted to cold, rugged terrain, they have thick grey-white fur with black rosettes, long tails for balance, and wide paws that act like natural snowshoes.
Snow leopards are also known for their incredible agility and ability to traverse steep and rocky landscapes with ease.
The snow leopard is currently listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Major threats include habitat loss, poaching and declining prey populations.
Today, there are only around 3,000 adult individuals left in the wild.
(Simona Kitanovska / newsX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-01.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-02.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-03.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-04.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-05.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-06.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-07.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-08.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Picture shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Licensed photo.(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-09.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Video shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-10.jpg Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX
Description: Video shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX)
NewsX-RareSnowLeopards-01.mp4 Video Copyright: Zurich Zoo,Tim Benz/Newsflash/NX Video Caption: Caption: Video shows the snow leopards born at the Zurich Zoo, Switzerland, undated. They were born on May, 09, 2025. ***Video Licence Restrictions: NONE/UNLIMITED. This video is from a professional partner – for details of our ‘professional partner’ licence see https://newsx.agency/licences/
