Meet Bheri – the snow leopard cub with a very special name
After thousands of suggestions from our supporters, we’ve named the zoo’s first snow leopard cub Bheri.
Bheri’s name pays tribute to the wild mountain landscapes where snow leopards originate. She’s named after a river in Nepal that runs through the Himalayas - a fitting nod to her mountain roots.
Born to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, this little cub has already captured hearts worldwide. Her earliest moments on den cameras have been watched by millions of people, and now she’s taken her first playful steps outside with mum by her side.
Watch Bheri explore her Himalayan habitat with mum, Nubra
Bheri is already so full of confidence and character as she playfully explores her new surroundings. Nubra is proving to be a wonderfully attentive first-time mum, always close by and keeping a watchful eye as her cub ventures further each day - it’s a real privilege to see.
Rachael Boatwright, Assistant Team Manager of our Carnivores team
Bheri is the very first snow leopard cub to be born at Chester Zoo, part of the European endangered species breeding programme - a vital effort to protect and safeguard a healthy population of these incredible big cats.
We're also supporting the Snow Leopard Trust and communities in Kyrgyzstan to protect these “ghosts of the mountains” in the wild, helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect vital habitats and support sustainable livelihoods.
With as few as 4,000 snow leopards left in their natural habitat, every cub brings hope for the future of this vulnerable species.
