AN ARTIST impression of how a zoo's £1million revamped snow leopard enclosure will look has been released.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay has appointed contractors Wynne Construction to carry out works for the Silk Road project.

Planning has been approved for the ambitious scheme which will see the enclosure transformed to become a representation of the mountainous regions in which the endangered species lives.

‘Silk Road’ will forge links with China and the Himalayan mountains exploring the Chinese culture, language, environment and species that originate from there.

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The redesign of the enclosure will start in the Autumn.

Jennifer Jesse, director of operations and administration at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "Full planning and the appointment of a contractor marks a critical step in the journey of ‘Silk Road’.

"This is an important milestone for us and we’re incredibly pleased to have secured full planning approval as well as having timescales in place for this wonderful development."

The Snow Leopard enclosure will be designed to offer visitors a nose to nose visual experience through glass, whilst an elevated walkway will journey around the site, offering panoramic views across the Zoo and to the Carneddau Mountains.

Jennifer added: “The ‘Silk Road’ is an incredibly important project for us that not only gives a new home to our Snow Leopards, but delves far deeper into the natural habitat and the wider environment in which this species lives.

"With our wonderful pair of breeding Snow Leopards, we have throughout the years become increasingly more involved in conservation campaigns and projects to raise awareness of their endangered status, having made an annual financial commitment to support the Snow Leopard Trust.

"The ‘Silk Road’ project will help highlight their position in the wild, whilst creating an exciting and innovative enclosure that will form an important part of the Zoo’s future."

Simon Moreton, of Wynne Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Welsh Mountain Zoo to deliver their ‘Silk Road’ project vision.

"An increase in visitor numbers at the Zoo and for local tourism to the region is always great news for North Wales."

A themed children's indoor play area is also being built at the zoo.