Two snow leopard cubs at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire have ventured outside for the first time since their birth 13 weeks ago, marking a significant milestone for the endangered species' conservation efforts at the site. Male cub Momo and female cub Nima are the first snow leopard cubs born at the zoo in 13 years, and their growing confidence means visitors now stand a better chance of spotting them. Snow leopards are classified as "vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only around 3,000 believed to remain in the wild.

The cubs, whose Tibetan names mean "dumpling" and "sun" respectively, were born in May to mother Zaya, three, and father Warjun, four. They have recently received a second round of vaccinations and passed a 13-week health check, according to senior carnivore keeper Ashleigh Ball. She said the family had been given a quiet, natural space to bond, with free access to their outdoor habitat, and that the cubs are now becoming noticeably more adventurous and curious about their surroundings.