National Zoological Society of Wales - Colwyn Bay – Welsh Highland Zoo

The project is to develop a modern, state of the art world class facility for snow leopards. The new enclosure will enable visitors to get up close and learn more of the plight of the snow leopards in the wild. As the snow leopards are one of China's most iconic animals, and one of the most vulnerable and endangered species on the planet, the project will encourage cultural links with China.

This forms part of a wider project called ‘The Silk Road’ which aims to tell the story of wildlife of China, its landscapes and its culture, and make connections with Wales. The project will also include an all-weather Chinese themed play area where there will be collaborative help from the Confucius Institute and the Eden Project on its style and design.

There will also be simple play activities comparing and contrasting the Welsh, English and Chinese (Mandarin) languages. The intention will be to forge links to China's own nature and heritage.