Large queues built up at Chester Zoo over the weekend as members got their first glimpse of the snow leopards which have been making themselves at home in the new enclosure.

Previously we reported on the arrival of male leopard Yashin and female Nubra to a huge new Himalayan habitat for the species.

Wirral Globe: Long queues built up in Chester Zoo over the weekend as members looked to get a first glimpse of

It’s the first time in the conservation charity’s 93-year history that its carnivore experts have ever cared for the highly threatened big cats.

And there was clearly big demand from the public to see the fascinating creatures up close, with the enclosure opening to members over the weekend, ahead of an official opening to the public on Monday, March 25.

Reader Ian Fairbrother was among the large queues, reportedly waiting about two hours for a glimpse at Chester's most hotly anticipated new arrivals.

Wirral Globe: Long queues built up in Chester Zoo over the weekend as members looked to get a first glimpse of

Having arrived from zoos in Europe after being carefully matched up as part of an important conservation breeding programme, conservationists say the snow leopard pair have ‘hit it off’ straight away and are hopeful that they’ll go on to have cubs in the future.

Wirral Globe: Snow leopards Yashin and Nubra explore their new home at Chester Zoo. Pictures: Chester Zoo.