Banham Zoo welcomes Rowan the Linne’s Two-Toed Sloth and Aurora the snow leopard

Keepers have welcomed a pair of new animals to Banham Zoo in the hope of helping an international breeding programme.

A female two-toed sloth called Rowan arrived at the popular attraction from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland.

The two-years-old has joined the site’s resident male sloth, Arlo, inside the attraction’s tropical house.

Graeme Williamson, head of living collections at the zoo, said: “Animal transfers may not be simple, but when they are successful, it is so rewarding to know we are positively contributing to these vital breeding programmes throughout Europe and worldwide.”

Meanwhile, the zoo has also brought in a female Snow Leopard called Aurora from Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.

Aurora, who is also two-years-old, has joined male Snow Leopard Shen at the zoo.

Graeme said their partnership will be crucial for the breeding of snow leopards at the site.

He added: “We are thrilled by Aurora’s arrival and are proud to do our part in protecting this endangered species, contributing to European conservation efforts right here in Norfolk.

“Every visitor who comes to see Aurora will be part of this global conservation effort, and we hope to inspire future generations to take action in protecting our planet’s precious wildlife.”

The pair are now part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Endangered Species Programme.