A zoo in Norfolk is preparing to welcome a very special new arrival.
Banham Zoo is soon to open its doors to male snow leopard Shen from The Big Cat Sanctuary in Ashford, just weeks after the loss of its beloved Enif.
Enif died last month after 17 years at the attraction, but with the Endangered Species Breeding Programme needing to continue, a new two-year-old will soon be prowling the enclosure.
With her sight and general health deteriorating, the staff knew it was time to say goodbye and she was put down at the age of 18 at the end of June.
READ MORE: Banham Zoo reveals details of controversial wildlife scheme
It followed the death of Amur tiger Kuzma in March, the long-term mate of Mishka, who recently had three cubs.
A date is yet to be confirmed but the move is set to happen the week commencing July 17.
READ MORE: Tiger cub dies 15 days after birth at Banham Zoo
The big cat, who was born at the sanctuary in September 2021, will soon be joined by a female snow leopard.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is connected to Banham Zoo through the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
The zoo recently unveiled controversial plans to shift its focus from exotic animals to species from the British Isles.
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