A rare snow leopard cub has been born at a zoo in north Wales, marking a success in conserving an endangered species in the wild.

The cub is the first to be born at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay, Conwy, in a decade.

China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Pakistan are home to 75% of the world's wild snow leopard population.

Garden keepers have kept a watchful eye on mother Padme and the cub in their den since the birth on June 12, but visitors can now see them together for the first time.

The cub is also the first to be born in a new habitat at the zoo, which replicates the mountain range landscapes where snow leopards naturally roam.

"The snow leopard is classified as vulnerable in the wild and so breeding in managed zoo environments in conjunction with the zoo's annual commitment to support the Snow Leopard Trust is essential if we are to protect the future conservation of this amazing animal." , said Chris Mitchell of the Welsh Highland Zoo.

The zoo had hoped that Padme and daddy Sumbe would find comfort and familiarity in their new home with the potential to breed. Mitchell said programs such as these were important to ensure the conservation of populations of endangered species. /BBCNews