VOLUNTEERS are being sought by one of Hampshire's top tourist attractions to help raise money for a new enclosure for one of the world's rarest big cats.

Marwell Zoological Park near Winchester has made the appeal ahead of a sponsored walk around the zoo next month in aid of a new home for the park's snow leopards.

The new £500,000 enclosure is due to open early this summer.

It will feature a habitat similar to what the animals would expect to experience in their Himalaya home-lands, complete with a tumbling waterfall and alpine scenery.

Most of the money for the construction is coming from the Marwell Preservation Trust.

However, Marwell Zoological Society has also pledged to raise £75,000 by holding various sponsored events and fundraisers.

Snow leopards are one of the most endangered of all the big cats - mostly because they have been almost hunted to extinction for their beautiful silver-tinted fur.

They live in mountainous areas of central Asia, ranging from Russia and Mongolia in the north, through Tibet and China and down to the high plateaux of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.

Marwell's internationally recognised endangered animals breeding programme has been helping to conserve the species since the 1970s, when the programme was first introduced.

However, the new enclosure should ensure the leopards feel at home and, it is hoped, may encourage them to breed further.

To get involved in the Snow Leopard Walk, which takes place around the zoo on Sunday, May 15, or to make a donation to the enclosure appeal, contact john@mar-well.org.uk or call John Adams on 023 8055 7750.