Up Close With the Majestic Snow Leopard

I've had to cancel two dive trips already this year due to hectic conditions at work, so my cameras haven't been getting much use lately.  But Cheri and I recently had the extraordinary opportunity to join our friends Doug and Judy for a "behind the scenes" visit at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.  


Judy is a volunteer/docent at the zoo and was awarded this opportunity by virtue of having reached the amazing level of 6,000 volunteer hours!  She was kind enough to invite Cheri and me to join her and Doug for almost an hour behind the scenes getting close to and  talking with the "keeper" of the snow leopards.  We of course were not allowed to actually touch the leopards, but were inches away from them and got to take photos through gaps in the fencing.

I took hundreds of photos, but only felt a half dozen were worth showing anyone, and I've posted those on my website (three on the first page and three more on page 2) HERE.

Stalking behavior (when you're GLAD you're behind a fence)

It was a wonderful experience, and gave us a real appreciation for how far zoos (at least Woodland Park) have come in the treatment, exhibition and conservation of endangered animals like the snow leopard.  I hope you enjoy the photos.  Oh BTW, if you're interested in learning more about snow leopards, or trying to help in the effort to save them, check out the Snow Leopard Trust, the global organization trying to save them from extinction.  It happens to be based right here in Seattle!