
I am extremely grateful for Rob putting last week's video in the newsletter; it has now got about eight thousand hits as a direct consequence, which means even if only a fraction of that number have been made aware of the conservation work the Cat Survival Trust are doing more broadly, express further interest, it will have been of great benefit. I'm going to head up there with Kerry in three or four weeks so he can meet the Snow Leopard that will be named after Nina; as Rob said, it is after all a nice touch for someone we are all going to miss, however we came to know her.
I was actually up at Whipsnade yesterday photographing the asiatic elephants, but drove back to London via the trust just to see how the little guys were doing. Nothing much, but these guys really do make your heart melt :)
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 19:49, Reply)

Corking footage, Jahled.
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 20:32, Reply)

It's that the CST have a healthy breeding group - what happened to the last cubs btw ??
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 22:54, Reply)

and hence a bit to dangerous to greet as old mates. Quite touching, as the impromptu mode of transporting three princesses back to their mum, and their enclosure; dad and their siblings were lined up next to the wire making sure everything was ok. Not a snarl. Which is testament to Terry's care
They trust him completely
Whilst the guy isn't a 'Lion man;' and I doubt very much wants to be in the long run, given the long term aim is to release Snow Leopards back into their natural environment; I have observed the only danger he would have to be cautious of is his cats getting carried away with affection; and tearing him to shreds with their claws; without them realising. Some of them get really stroppy if he gets up to leave them; which curiously is quite touching to observe. I have a few scratches just from yesterday. But they are truly beautiful animals
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 23:19, Reply)

but that didn't turn out too great did it :(
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 23:33, Reply)

The last bit of the video is important; when Terry returned the cubs to their mum; quite how peaceful she was. Not a snarl or growl of displeasure; she knew all will be well having grown up with Terry and previous cubs she has had in the past. Apparently the descendants of these three little guys will be released into the wild in India; so circumstances will be different in how they are raised. I was explained the detail but was a bit overwhelmed with the cubs to pay much attention to be honest :)
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 21:15, Reply)

Good call to remember your dog needed some food ;)
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 21:16, Reply)

Nothing to do with the cubs at all; and that's exactly what I told Mrs. Damage.
She still doesn't believe me...
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 21:29, Reply)

And that's a lovely idea naming one after Nina :)
( , Sat 26 Jun 2010, 23:22, Reply)