SNOW leopard twins living in South Lakeland are celebrating their first birthday this weekend.

Loki and Luna were the first to be born in the north of England when they arrived at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis a year ago.

This Sunday the animal charity near Milnthorpe is planning a special Snow Leopard Day so people can get to know the beautiful rare creatures.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis assistant manager Jayne Gibbins said: “They are absolutely beautiful, amazing animals.

“And it’s brilliant to know that when they eventually go their separate ways, the twins will be contributing to the future of their species.”

She said snow leopards are under ‘extreme threat of extinction’ in the wild and only about 2,000 are thought to be in existence.

“A lot of the wild ones are in unstable environments where their habitat is threatened,” she said.

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Snow leopards in the wild are found in 13 different countries, centred mainly in the Himalaya. That makes them extremely difficult to count.

Loki and Luna are the result of a breeding programme that could eventually see leopards reintroduced to the Himalaya.

As well as having a serious message, the Snow Leopard Day at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis aims to be fun, with plenty of activities for children.

Any youngsters who bring a snow leopard stuffed toy with them on the day will get in for free.