CCTV 'pivotal' in raising endangered snow leopard

Emily Sinclair
BBC News, South East
The Big Cat Sanctuary A very small snow leopard cub with grey fur and black spots lies in straw. The image has been captured from CCTV. The cub's eyes are closed. The Big Cat Sanctuary
An endangered snow leopard cub, nicknamed 'Little Lady', has been born at the Big Cat Sanctuary

An animal sanctuary has said that CCTV cameras are "absolutely pivotal" to their work as animal conservationists.

The Big Cat Sanctuary, in Smarden, Kent, is dedicated to the conservation and rescue of cats.

The sanctuary welcomed its latest arrival of an endangered snow leopard cub, nicknamed 'Little Lady', on 10 May.

Curator Briony Smith told the BBC that CCTV "allows us to monitor the mothers, monitor the cubs, but also give them a bit of distance and not get too involved".

Ms Smith acknowledged that a new cub was "just so cute" but explained that it was important people didn't lose sight of the work that they do.

'Little Lady's' mother, Laila, has had three previous litters with breeding partner Yarko as part of the sanctuary's wider European breeding programme.

As well as monitoring new cubs through cameras, keepers and trainers at the sanctuary work closely with the cats to build the trust necessary for medical procedures.

Laila's primary trainer Simon Jackaman has worked with her for seven years and even built an ultrasound table for the snow leopard.

Mr Jackaman said he completed "mock scans" with Laila leading up to the pregnancy to get her used to human contact.

Jack Valpy/ BBC A screen showing CCTV footage of a snow leopard and her cub. A woman is pointing her finger at the screen. On the screen are two snow leopards, the mother sitting and the cub lying down. Jack Valpy/ BBC
CCTV cameras allow staff to monitor the cub's progress from an appropriate distance

Snow leopards are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list, with an estimated 2,700 to 3,300 mature adults remaining in the wild.

The sanctuary is hoping that the new cub will be out in its enclosure in August, following essential vaccinations.

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