Peeping Through the Leaves

This Persian Leopard cub was rejected by her mother at the Santago Leopard Breeding Project in North London, UK. She was hand reared by her owners. At the time of this picture she was about 8 months old. One minute she was an affectionate kitten, just like your average domestic tabby, and the next the wild animal that she really was showed through. Her ears would go down, she would get that look in her eyes, and the wicked claws would come out. The Persian Leopard, also known as the Iranian Leopard, is endangered throughout its range, due to persecution, habitat loss, and poaching. Breeding projects such as Santago hope to preserve rare species for future generations.

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