Snow Leopards

That's a lovely Snow Leopard CC really great to see such a magnificent creature
WS

There is also a webcam inside the snowies'enclosure. It covers 25 % of the enclosure where Valma and the cubs are.

Here is the link: https://elisa.fi/vahtilive/?camera=korkeasaari2

In you do not see any leopards at the moment, you can scroll 24 h backwards.

CC

Thanks CC will check that out

WS

for the link CC

Lai

You know how difficult it can be to get a picture where the whole snowie family is together, and even staying still!

One lucky day last week that happened...



Well they ARE still, aren't they?

This was taken from the upper corner of their enclosure through bushes; down at the window you could see only five furry tails hanging down.

CC

CC well done for getting a photo and thanks for sharing, they really are so beautiful.

Lai

HI CC
I have just been catching up on your postings.....so many gorgeous photo's I have missed out on, they are absolutely beautiful and also thanks to sst for her pictures as well.......did you ever get to meet up at the zoo?

Last week I went to Port Lympne Wildlife park, its part of the Aspinal Foundation. Well they have a pair of breeding snowies there but unfortunately we didn't get to see them at all. In their lovely enclosure they have two houses and it would appear thats where they spent the day which was a shame but they must have been happily snoozing together. We are planning on going back soon so hopefully I will be able to add some pictures to this thread but for now your pictures are just stunning and that last one is amazing.

littlewid-x-

Thank you Littlewid and Lai

I am afraid I never met sst, maybe we have been there at the same time but we do not recognize each other.

Don't get me wrong, I really love summer (especially now when we have warm and sunny also in Finland), but I really look forward to the autumn and winter! The big cats are so much more active then, and the light is better for taking pictures.

This is unfortunately the most common sight at the zoo on a warm summer day:



(Valma relaxing after haveing slept the whole day )

Littlewid, how was Port Lympne? I have heard that it is one of the best... Where can I see your photos?

CC

It's still a gorgeous photo of Valma CC

Thanks for sharing and for the update. I am a spring, summer and autumn person, winter it is dark and I love the daylight

Lai

Cats are all the same Tigers Lions leopards even our on domestic cats give them a full tummy ans some warmth abd they turn into flat cats Great pic CC

WS

she looks as though she is sleeping off her sunday lunch bless her it is still a lovely picture but I know what you mean CC when they are active you do get photos that show their personality.

The Snowies at Port Lympne were definitely in hiding and hopefully making baby Snowies my Port Lympne photos are in WAA CameraClub. Lots of people pics and some ok animal pics. It is an amazing place CC and they have worked so hard to ensure it really reflects the natural habitat of each animal. My photos definitely do not do it justice so you will have to take my word for it being simply amazing.

littlewid-x-

Come and play with me! Anyone?



Or with me?



LW, I saw you pictures and story from your visit to Port Lympne: the place sounds like a paradise among zoos! The tigers enclosure seems to be very impressive!
I am sorry that the snowies totally ignored you.    Better luck next time!

CC

Such beautiful photo's CC, They are both adorable aren't they and luck or friendship always seems to be on your side which is lovely

Port Lympne is an amazing place..... very un zoo like which is wonderful. When we went the Snowies were at thetime when they were hoping to Increase their family so I'm not surprised we didn't get to see them. The enclosure was just so right for privacy and they have two houses high up and they were I believe in one of them together. One of my consultants went two weekes ago and I must ask him if they were lucky enough to see them and get any photos, he and his wife and children are animal mad and they went on my recomendation and they thought the place was excellent. Fingers crossed next time I go I will see Mr &Mrs Snowie.

littlewid-x-

Great photos CC it really does look as though they are saying come play with me

WS

CC - lovely photos.

Lai

Just for a change I visited Korkeasaari in the winter to get some snow into snow leopard pictures.

At almost 2 years old the cubs are pretty fully grown. They don't seem to mind the snow or the cold, but they do like to sleep together. Which is of course what they mostly do.

One of the four cubs has already left korkeasaari (to Saltzburg) and according to the zoo website the other three are also leaving this spring (to USA and France).

Below is one picture and there are a few additional winter pictures here: https://s40.photobucket.com/user/s-s-t-/library/

for sharing, I love all the photos of the snow leopards. They are such beautiful cats.

It's amazing where they are all going to.

Lai

ss that is a beautiful photo Top Marks. Lovely to see all the other pics to, you just cant help loving Snow Leopards. That's made my day
Thanks ss

WS

Hi sst

Thank you soooooo much for coming back on and sharing all those wonderful photo's You really do take an excellent photo, they are captivating and how fantastic to see Snow Leopards in the snow

For me, Snow Leopards are my favourite Leopard, so seeing those today made my heart go bump and i'm a little envious if i'm truly honest and I imagine it will be hard for you when they have all gone, the cubs are simply adorable. We know why they have to move on but it's still a shame.....are they planning on breeding more do you know?

Again, thank you so much and don't be a stranger with your gorgeous photo's......you brighten our day

littlewid-x-

It's a bit sad to see them go, but on the other hand that hopefully makes space for new cubs. I don't know for a fact, but I'd assume they'd be breeding again once the cubs have left. At least the parents (Erkhet and Valma) are still at the zoo.

Hello SST I am sure you are right, the cubs have to move to different zoos to stop in-breeding and to increase the gene pool.  Also as you say it allows the parents to breed again.

Lai

Yes it must be sad to see them go as you've been watching them since they were born, but as you say they do have to move unfortunately. I really think it's time the Zoos or some organisation to look at forming a release programme for these Snow Leopards, I appreciate it would be difficult, certainly not as easy as with Lions who can be released into big protected gave reserves, give the territory that these Leopards live in. But it has been done with Tigers, and even Amur Tigers so it should be possible

WS

You are right sst, at least Erkhet and Valma will still be there and it would be lovely if they did have more cubs

That's an interesting point WS, a release program would be good and it has been done before for other big cats......I wonder if there is a reason as to why it has never been done

littlewid-x-