NORTHUMBERLAND is now home to two big cats.

Northumberland County Zoo, near Felton, has welcomed snow leopards as part of its collection - marking a first for the North-East.

The endangered, female cubs were set to arrive from Scotland's RZSS Highland Wildlife Park in November but were delayed.

Now, to mark their arrival, the zoo has thrown open its doors to visitors with a weekend, ticketed event after closing to allow the animals to settle in.

The zoo has taken the snow leopards into its care, re-homing them in a spacious, new purpose-built enclosure where they be able to roam and be looked after by a team of specially trained keepers, as part of its captive breeding programme.

Maxine Bradley, of the family-run, not-for-profit business, shared hers and her team’s delight at the zoo’s newest arrivals.

She said: "We’re so excited to welcome the young cats to the family, their arrival signals yet another new chapter for Northumberland Zoo, as we strive to be one of the most exciting, conservation-focused attractions in the region.

"Snow leopards are renowned for being highly elusive in the wild, so we’re truly privileged to have them here, offering the public an unprecedented chance to get up close and learn more about these beautiful creatures.

"The cats’ arrivals represent a fantastic boost for the region at a time when good news isn’t so forthcoming; we can’t wait to welcome visitors in to see them!”

Keith Gilchrist, animal collections manager at Highland Wildlife Park, added: "It has been an incredible year, watching our snow leopard cubs grow and they will be missed by everyone here at the park.

"They are and continue to be an incredible ambassador for their relatives in the wild."

A percentage of this weekend's takings will be donated towards vital conservation projects carried out by the Snow Leopard Trust in the cats’ native range.