A snow leopard at the Toronto Zoo watches in wonder as a flock of birds passes overhead. It is still a cub so it is still discovering the world around it. It is actually a bit inspiring...it must see these birds every day and still it watches them with curiosity and wonder in its eyes. If only we could appreciate life like that...there is so much we take for granted and take lightly, even going to the zoo and seeing the world's most incredible animals.

What I noticed about this photo is that, just above the snow leopard's head, there is a hint of a ring formation that looks a bit like a halo caused by the play of light and shadow. It is one of those things that, once you notice, you cannot "un-see" it. I think it is great...it does look quite angelic, doesn't it?

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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.