This is a big, fluffy snow leopard cub at the Toronto Zoo staring up into the sky and watching the birds fly by.

I have to wonder what was going through its mind, watching these creatures soar overhead. They were clearly parts of two different worlds and the snow leopard clearly had wonder in its eyes.

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Snow leopards are found in mountainous central Asia, also called "the roof of the world". They are acclimated for some of the harshest terrain and climate in the world and are extremely elusive. Sadly, snow leopards are not elusive enough to escape the hand of man. They are an endangered species and there may be as few as 3,000 left in the wild with populations decreasing. Individuals are often the victims of revenge killing after taking village livestock, poaching for their bones and skin, prey depletion and habitat loss.

Please visit http://www.snowleopard.org for more information on snow leopards and how you can help.