An Old Snow Leopard by TomDart
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Description
The Snow Leopard, to me one of the most beautiful of the large cats is not only endangered, some lust for the garment made from the pelt of this magnificent animal and poachers will kill one with joy. In summer seasons, locals will sometimes kill to protect their goats and other livestock but to a poor people the fur is priceless, for what ever reason the animal was killed. Perhaps in that is some balance but poachers are totally without conscious in killing any living animal.
In a zoo in Ohio, USA, I saw this old one. The face tells of many years. Yes, very far from the high mountains of northern Pakistan and other parts of the range and likely never lived in the wild, yet, perhaps this one will complete its life in peace. I imagine many in the wild do complete their lives as nature compels, away from the hand of man. These are elusive animals for good reason. I will not try to guess the emotional state of this leopard from its face, that would not be fair to the animal and I cannot read its thoughts.
These cats live on steep rocky slopes, feeding on deer/goat animals which also inhabit the rocky and often snow covered terrain. They go up and down what I would consider a very dangerous slope with ease, sometimes in a tumble but able to climb, descend and live in such a place. Efforts are made to preserve this beautiful wild animal.
The link tells something of the habitat range of the Snow Leopard and conservation efforts.
http://www.snowleopardconservancy.org/conservation1.htm
Comments (15)
busi2ness
Oh I can imagine a sad story behind this magnificent animal, who is meant to be free and unfenced, the way the creation was meant to be and yet our greed puts an end to so many animals. Great capture and story Tom.
CavalierLady
Lovely shot, and this one does seem to look old. Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on the Animal Planet had a show about these in the mountains of Pakistan, just a couple of days ago, a most fascinating story. They are magnificent animals.
flavia49
I like cats so much!!! A beautiful animal, indeed.
babuci
Sad but a wonderful capture of this magneficent animal. He is safe where he is but a prison because of humans. No free hunting in a wild or relaxing under the shade of the tree.
MrsLubner
I also find the snow leopard to be the most magical of the large cats. This one has seen many years and it seems now is the time to just sit. A gorgeous shot and I do wish they were not so scarce.
Chipka
This is a gorgeous shot, for all of the reasons that you stated, and it is also a harrowing reminder that humankind has tainted a very delicate balance. This balance can be restored and this regal animal is proof of that--but it'll take a lot of effort; unfortunately, as a species, humankind is not yet ready to take this necessary step. As for the image itself, it speaks volumes. The cat itself is gorgeously captured and stark in its aged beauty! Fantastic work, worthy of the utmost respect for your refusal to stoop to maudlin anthropomorphism and cliche references to a very dangerous sort of sentimentality--a sort that ultimately feeds the situation that needs to be fixed. Desperately. Yes, these animals are regal and elegant, dignified and graceful. Your image captures that, compassionately so, but your obvious compassion also reveals the stark, predatory nature of these creatures and endows it with the true respect that it deserves. That alone is but a single element of what makes this image one of my favorites.
Cosine
Great shot of this magnificent animal, Tom.
Winterclaw
Pretty animal. Too bad people can't make do with synthetics.
nongo
Poor old guy, he sure looks gorgeous still!!!! excellent shot Tom!!!!!!
micturn
So beautiful...thanks for posting this.
timtripp
marvelous and compelling!
Janiss
Wowww gorgeous portrait Tom!
inaani
Es sind wirklich sehr schöne Tiere: Diese alte Schneeleopardin strahlt noch Erhabenheit aus. These are really very beautiful animals: This old Snow Leopard still radiates sublimity.
avalonfaayre
He looks old and tired. He reminds me of my battle scarred dog/friend I lost recently. At peace, anyway. I would no more want a 'pelt' of this noble cat than I would of my old buddy I lost. Sad, the state of things. Wonderful statement with a photograph.
katy555
Beautiful animal and lighting, excellent well done...