Snow leopards are among the world’s most elusive animals and are classified as vulnerable in the wild, where they live in harsh mountain environments in countries including India, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Threats faced by snow leopards in the wild include poaching and mining developments. As part of a breeding program for the species, the snow cubs’ mum Miska and dad Kang-Ju were introduced at Melbourne Zoo and have now contributed to the insurance population of these beautiful creatures.