A CUMBRIAN attraction will be celebrating International Snow Leopard Day with a special event.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, in Milnthorpe, will be highlighting the vital role this quiet corner of the country plays helping conserve these mysterious predators.

Taking place on Monday October 23, the event will also include the signing of an important declaration on snow leopard conservation.

The Oasis will be running special leopard themed events all day, from craft activities and games to a prize raffle, all culminating in a very special snow leopard talk and feed.

Zoo manager Zak Showell says: "Snow leopards are among the most endangered big cats in the world, estimated at fewer than 8,000 in the wild.

"Threatened by hunting, loss of habitat, prey, and human conflict, the captive breeding programme, as well as supporting in country conservation projects, is vital, and it’s a real honour to be part of it.

"Everything we do here focuses on spreading the word about the amazing animals we share our planet with.

"The day's events will help us share our leopard success story, and thank our incredible local supporters."

The zoo, off the A6, joined the snow leopard breeding programme in 2011, and was rewarded in 2014, when two snow leopards, Tara and Pavan had two cubs, Luna and Loki.

Just this year, Luna had two cubs of her own, helping to further the programme across Europe.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis is open seven days a week, from 10am until dusk. International Snow Leopard Day activities are all free with regular admission on Monday October 23.