Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Off to New York

PHOTO: AFP

ORPHANED SNOW LEOPARD LEO: Rescued and hand fed.

The U.S. State Department is ready to receive an unusual guest from Pakistan — an orphaned snow leopard cub. Thirteen-month-old Leo is being sent to New York after surviving both the loss of his parents and the Pakistani earthquake. He was found in the snow-hit north of the country last year by a shepherd who hand-fed him to keep him alive. The snow leopard is one of the world's most endangered big cat species. The shepherd's family cared for the animal for several months, but he grew too big, and was handed over to the authorities. He now weighs 28 kg. The snow leopard gets to go on an expenses-paid journey to the U.S., where his only responsibilities will be eating, growing and breeding. Officials say that under the terms of the agreement, Pakistan will receive help from the U.S. to develop a snow leopard conservation centre.

COMPILED BY SUBAJAYANTHI B.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail