Contemplation
A full body shot of the Amur Leopard at Marwell.
Critically Endangered, a census in Feb 2000 found only between 22-27 Amur or Far Eastern Leopards left in the wild. Found in southern Russia and northern China these animals are superbly adapted for the harsh winters of these parts of the world. They have long fur and a layer of fat on their flanks and belly for insulation. They are excellent climbers and swimmers.
The main threat to the region is the exploration and exploitation of oil and natural gases. Increased Middle East instability, effective technology that can survive the cold and the high demand for fossil fuels, puts this wonderful animal’s habitat under increasing pressure.
Contemplation belongs to the following groups:
Bubblettes, Endangered Species, Exotic Mammals and Zoophoria (2 per day, approval required) Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
Kevin Price
It looks so sad.
Durotriges
I always think it’s contemplating the demise of its species.
TJ Alexander
Durotriges,
where do you find your animal subject? Nice work with you animals
Durotriges
These are all animals at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, UK. The zoo there has gone to a lot of trouble to make their enclosures open to photographers. Some, like the kookaburras/wallabies and the golden lion tamarins you can actually walk through. Fortunately with the big cats, there’s a wall of perspex between me and him! The main problem you have is the amount of reflection, so you have to pick your angle quite carefully! :-D
TJ Alexander
Do you have a rubber hood for you lenses? I found out that if you use the lens ad a barrier between the glass and the lens, the reflections are really mininmal to non-exsitent.
Try it out and let me know how it works for you
Durotriges
Thanks for the tip, TJ – my camera is a discontinued model, so any accessories there were once for it have now gone, but I might be able to knock something up!
thickblackoutline
thanks for your comments D! :) your folio is also amazing! i especially like this one, there’s a bit of feeling in this one, you just want to go and give him/her a nice big cuddle… a cuddle with caution! ;)
paul boast
I really dont like animals in zoos , see my link on most of my animal shots ,
this is a beautiful creature who should never be behind bars.
I see his face as one of sadness and despair .
Durotriges
I think to a degree, you are correct pboast. However, there are less than two dozen of these creatures left in the wild and this animal is part of a captive breeding programme. Without places like Marwell (which is a superb zoo) this animal would most likely be extinct.
kcranmer
Gorgeous capture, congrats on being featured under community!
Scott Ruhs
Great clarity and color. Nice lighting too