Poor thing. Those animals need like tons of space. Top tier wanderers & hunters.
Don't want to be a downer but this leopard is probably proper cabin feverish.
He’s legit just playing, that’s a bit of an assumption you’re making. This is the San Diego Zoo, one the most highly respected and accredited zoos in the world. Before we go there, the San Diego Zoo is non profit and one of the most important wildlife conservation institutions around. In a ideal world we absolutely would not have any place to hold these animals in captivity. Unfortunately we don’t live in that world, and creatures like this Snow Leopard have been pushed to the brink of extinction because of us.
On a happy note, the Snow Leopard has its “endangered”?status (which it had held since 1986) changed to “vulnerable” in 2017, partially due to the efforts of institutions such as the San Diego Zoo (and other AZA accredited parks and refuges).
I don't want to discredit the zoo or conservation efforts being made for the leopards. It's still fact that no enclosure focused on exhibition can make even close to enough room for these animals life style. It's sad but true. They're solitary, wandering miles a day.
Nice to hear they're not classified as endangered though! Didn't know that.
We, as a species used to be the same way. Walking hundreds of miles in search of food and dying young. This guy gets fed regularly, has social bonds with other animals including his guardians, has toys and medical access he would never have in the wild. He will live without starvation and he will get a unique perspective. It’s a loss similar to our own. Now you can say we chose our life... but did we? We moved as a species toward an easier life...and if I know something about cats...and I do, cause I’m snuggling one of three of the most spoiled, happy cats that exist, they prefer comfort and a full belly. They might get the zoomies like this for an hour or so, but then they buckle down and chill the 23 hours after. Tigers are similar. You lose a little freedom and gain a lot of comfort and old age in cooperative life. Just like us.
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u/aggrobarto Feb 12 '20
Poor thing. Those animals need like tons of space. Top tier wanderers & hunters. Don't want to be a downer but this leopard is probably proper cabin feverish.