WATCH: Marwell snow leopard described as 'fantastic' first-time mum after giving birth to two cubs

Staff at a conservation zoo are brimming with pride as Zaya the snow leopard does ‘fantastic job’ at parenting two new cubs.

Born on May 20 to first-time mum, Zaya and dad Warjun, the cubs are the first snow leopard litter at Marwell Zoo since 2013 and mark a major milestone for the conservation of one of the world’s most iconic species.

Keepers at Marwell have said that Zaya, who celebrated her third birthday on July 1 and arrived at the zoo last year as part of the European conservation breeding programme, has settled into motherhood well.

Carrie Arnold, carnivore team leader at Marwell Zoo, said: “Welcoming snow leopard cubs is incredibly exciting and a proud moment for everyone involved in their care.

“Zaya is doing a fantastic job as a first-time mum and we’re pleased with how both she and the cubs are progressing. Right now, our focus is on giving them the quiet space they need to grow in confidence and develop naturally.

“One of the things we’re most passionate about at Marwell is giving our animals choice over how they use their habitat. At the moment the cubs are staying tucked away in their den with mum, which is exactly what we’d expect at this stage but as they grow over the next few months, they’ll decide for themselves when they’re ready to explore further and become more visible.”

While the cubs adjust to life at Marwell, barriers have been installed around part of the snow leopard habitat, allowing the new mum to care for her babies without unnecessary disturbance.

The cubs are currently spending all their time in the den and are still too young to venture outside. Visitors can still see dad Warjun, who currently has access to the right-side of the habitat.

For more information about Marwell Zoo, click here.