Caught on camera: Scramble for baby snow leopard
A young snow leopard has made his first appearance in his new enclosure at Dudley Zoo.
Five-month-old snow leopard Makalu has been busy testing his climbing skills in a bid to join his mother Nanga.
The youngster was born on April 17 but has just ventured out into the external enclosure at the Castle Hill for the first time after spending his first few months bonding with his mother.
Keepers kept a close eye on the young leopard who has been busy exploring the outdoor area's new sights, sounds and smells.
Despite his juvenile curiosity, Makalu still does not stray too far from his mother, watched on by visitors who have been able to watch his every move unfold.
Dudley Zoo curator Matt Lewis said: "Makalu loves being outside and is spending his time climbing, jumping and stalking mum.
"It will be a few weeks yet until he's built up his muscle strength enough to jump up to the highest platforms in the enclosure, but he's a very determined little cub and he's having a good go already."
Big cat keepers are delighted with his progress and hope his father Margaash will soon join the family line-up when they introduce him to his offspring later this month.
The snow leopard is native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia. They live between 3,000 and 5,500 metres above sea level on rocky mountain slopes.
Snow leopards show several adaptations for living in a cold mountainous environment. Their bodies are stocky, their fur is thick, their ears are small and rounded, all of which help to prevent excess heat loss.
Their paws are wide and this helps distribute their weight when walking on snow.
The feet also have fur on their soles to increase their grip on steep and unstable surfaces.
It also helps to minimise heat loss.
Snow leopards' tails are long and flexible, helping them to maintain their balance in the rocky terrain they inhabit.
