Adorable snow leopard twins took their first steps outside after venturing from the safety of their den.
The fluffy cubs, who are being cared for at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park, have begun exploring their surroundings alongside first-time mum Pari.
They have been spotted growing, playing and exploring under their mother’s watchful eye.
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Keepers do not yet know the sex of the cubs and will name them following their first health check in the coming months.
Pari, who is nearly three years old, is raising the youngsters alone while their dad, seven-year-old Koshi, is kept separately.
This mimics the natural behaviour of snow leopards, which are solitary animals, with mothers taking sole responsibility for raising their offspring.
The cubs will remain with Pari for up to two years as they learn the skills needed to grow into confident young snow leopards.
Koshi will continue living separately until the youngsters are old enough to meet him.
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The adorable big cats were born on 25 May – the first litter at the wildlife park in four years, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Snow leopard cubs enter the world blind and with pale blue eyes because of a lack of melanin at birth.
At around two to three months old, pigment production increases.
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Their eyes then slowly change to pale green, grey or yellow.
Visitors to Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park may now be lucky enough to spot the fluffy pair exploring their habitat.
Their arrival is also significant for the species.
Snow leopard numbers are decreasing in the wild and the animals are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
The big cats are native to the high rugged mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.
They face threats including habitat loss caused by mining and development, poaching for illegal trade and a shrinking prey base.
Climate change also threatens large areas of their habitat in the Himalayas.
Speaking after the cubs were born, animal care manager Lucy Petrie said: “After months of carefully introducing Koshi and Pari and giving nature the opportunity to take its course, we’re delighted to see that patience pay off.
“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.”
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