Three adorable snow leopard cubs at Highland Wildlife Park have celebrated their first birthday.
To mark the milestone, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has shared a collection of photos and a video of cubs Maya, Padme, and Yashin frolicking and playing with toys.
Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity helped the youngsters celebrate the big day by giving them decorated boxes and a giant number one-shaped piñata full of their favourite tasty treats, as well as some hair from the park’s Bactrian camels for enrichment.
The cubs were spotted sharing their presents with mum, Animesh, and dad, Koshi.
According to the RZSS, enrichment is a crucial aspect of the animals' daily routine at Highland Wildlife Park, as it encourages them to be more active and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.
Senior carnivore keeper at Highland Wildlife Park Judith Van De Voorde commented: "We are all thrilled to wish Maya, Padme and Yashin a happy first birthday.
"They have settled in so well and are incredibly popular with visitors and staff alike, with their distinct personalities capturing hearts over the last year.
"Like all the animals in our care, our snow leopards play an important role in attracting and engaging thousands of visitors each year so they can learn about the threats animals face in the wild and the action they can take to help.
"Their power to connect people with nature and encourage behaviour change is invaluable.”
Snow leopards are native to the mountain ranges of South and Central Asia, including the Himalayas. However, they are threatened due to a decline in available prey and conflict with local farmers.
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