Cats at the zoo

I recently visited Chester Zoo and had the honour of photographing five incredible animals up close: lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, and snow leopards. Inspired by these majestic creatures, I decided to delve into the zoo’s conservation efforts for these species. Accompanied by my photos, here’s the lowdown on Chester Zoo’s work to protect and preserve these amazing big cats!

Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN) 
Wild Population: ~670 individuals 
Habitat: Gir Forest, India 
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, human-wildlife conflict 
Breeding Programs: European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) 
Key Partners: Forest Department of Gujarat, Lion Conservation Trust

Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN) 
Wild Population: ~400 individuals 
Habitat: Rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia 
Threats: Deforestation, poaching, illegal wildlife trade 
Breeding Programs: EEP for Sumatran tigers   
Key Partners: WWF, Indonesian Ministry of Forestry 

Northwest African Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki)

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN) 
Wild Population: ~250 individuals 
Habitat: Sahara Desert and Sahel regions 
Threats: Habitat fragmentation, hunting, prey depletion 
Breeding Programs: EEP for cheetahs 
Key Partners: Cheetah Conservation Fund, Sahara Conservation Fund 

Jaguar (Panthera onca)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN) 
Wild Population: ~15,000 individuals 
Habitat: Rainforests, savannas, and wetlands of Central and South America 
Threats: Deforestation, illegal hunting, human-wildlife conflict
Breeding Programs: Involvement in EEP and awareness initiatives 
Key Partners: Panthera, WWF, South American conservation NGOs 

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN) 
Wild Population: 4,000-6,500 individuals 
Habitat: Mountain ranges of Central Asia (Himalayas, Altai, etc.) 
Threats:Poaching, livestock retaliations, habitat degradation  
Breeding Programs: EEP participation for snow leopards   
Key Partners: Snow Leopard Trust, Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)

I highly recommend a visit to Chester Zoo: its amazing! Even though these animals are in captivity, it’s clear that they are well cared for, and seeing them up close is truly special. Beyond just the experience, visiting the zoo is a great way to support their important conservation efforts, helping protect endangered species like these big cats. So, if you love animals and want to learn more about how to help save them, Chester Zoo is well worth the trip!

• 
  Darkness, Power and Beauty
  Horse’s steady gazeStrengthful eyes that dare to meetChallenge accepted Courage is the strength to face… Read more: Darkness, Power and Beauty
• 
  The Daffodil’s Song: A Lyrical Tribute to the Wonders of Spring
  Daffodil so brightGolden petals, sunshine’s kissHope blooms anew As I wander through the garden, the… Read more: The Daffodil’s Song: A Lyrical Tribute to the Wonders of Spring
• 
  Acanthus: A Versatile Plant with a Rich Cultural Heritage
  The Graceful Lines of an Acanthus Leaf. Acanthus is a genus of flowering plants native… Read more: Acanthus: A Versatile Plant with a Rich Cultural Heritage