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When visiting any zoo it’s the big cats that I’m always the most excited to see. Despite nearly always being lethargic and lazy when watched during visiting hours, big cats have a presence that has always fascinated me. One of my favorites, and what I consider the most beautiful subspecies are the snow leopard. The San Diego Zoo is home to a pair of globally endangered snow leopards; of which there are only about 600 in zoos around the world. So endangered and rare it’s estimated there are only a few thousand left in the wilds of Asia, making them one of the planet’s rarest big cats left.

If you love leopards don’t miss my previous story about the Zoo’s baby clouded leopard cubs.

Interested in donating to the snow leopard’s conservation or finding out more about the efforts to do so? Check out these groups:

• The Snow Leopard Trust: www.snowleopard.org
• The Snow Leopard Conservancy: www.snowleopardconservancy.org