THESE snow leopard cubs got their teeth into a special present at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis near Milnthorpe.

But staff say what they're really hoping for this Christmas is snow!

Born in May at the wildlife charity, the cubs Loki and Luna have so far only known mild weather.

Charity boss Jo Marsden said: "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have a white Christmas so their fantastic coats come into their own?"

Throughout the school Christmas holidays, as well as at weekends, the zoo is offering a packed programme of events.

It will include talks about the snow leopards and about conservation efforts under way in the leopards' natural homeland, the Himalaya.

The cubs are not suitable for reintroduction to the wild but they could be moved to captivity in the Himalayas with the eventual aim of re-populating wild areas with captive-bred leopards.

This year, Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is offering animal sponsorship and animal adoption deals that can be bought as Christmas presents.

Money will go to the charity's upkeep and conservation efforts. Visit http://wildlifeoasis.co.uk/ for more info.