Hello, I’m Laila
Jun 7th, 2010 | By mervi | Category: Featured articles7.6.2010 – Posted by Patricia Roberts
On April 4, 2010, in Dierenpark Planckendael (Belgium) Maili, a snow leopard, gave birth to Laila. After birth, she shielded her cub and kept it hidden in the den. However, a few weeks later, it suddenly went worse and worse with the mother and finally she died.
The keepers had to take over the role and had tof eed the cub. The little one is of paramount importance in the genetic breeding program for this species, of which only 200 are living in Europe and about 4,000 in the wild.
Snow leopards are real climbers and are living in the highlands of Central Asia. They are very shy and difficult to trace in nature. In the Himalayas they live in conflict with shepherds herding their flocks out there. The snow leopards regularly nibble a goat or a sheep, because their natural prey, wild mountain sheep and goats, is disappearing due to humans. The illegal hunting for their beautiful fur is still on. Fur coats are unfortunately still sought after. For their bones, whiskers and penis are large sums changing hands in Chinese medicine.
Dear Patricia!
How heartwarming! At the same time it makes me furious to think that these beautiful cats are killed by illegal hunters.
I hope Laila will grow to be a gorgeous cat and have a long, happy life.
Hugs from Mervi
It is very sad to know that hunters still exist….
I hope Laila has a lot of luck and grow healthy and happy, again keepers make a great work.
Thank you dear Patricia for this beautiful pictures of pretty girl.
Dear Patricia!
Laila is very cute. It is so sad that she lost her mother. I wish her a long and good life.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Patricia,
thank you so much for this report. You certainly know that I am a 1/10 godmother for our Wilhelma snow leopards, Lola and Bobby. I do love all cats of all sizes but snow leopards are one of my favourites.
Grüssles Velvet
Dear Patricia,
Thank you so much for this story and the pictures of this beautiful baby. I wish Laila a long and good life….so sorry about her mama… xo k-j
Hallo Patricia
Was für ein hübsches Kätzchen!
Schade, dass die Mutter sterben mußte.
Es ist sehr traurig, dass dieses seltenen Tiere immer noch gejagt werden.
Hoffen wir, dass das Kleine gut durchkommt.
Danke fürs Zeigen der Fotos!
Liebe Grüsse
Crissi
Dear Patricia
Laila is such a cutie. It is sad that the mother died.
The keepers do a good job, and Laila will grow up to a wonderfull snow leopard.
Many hugs
Bea
Dear Patricia,
Laila has a great chance of living a happy life thanks to her keepers. She is so adorable! Thanks Patricia for finding another heart-warming rescue story and sharing it with us.
Hugs, Sarsam
Süße Maus! Have a safe, happy and healthy life with a lot of exciting adventures, little-one!
Dear Patricia,
I have already read this lovely Laila-article before I went to France. Unfortunately I did not have the time to say thank you so much for it. The pictures are brilliant. I hope, Laila’s Happy End will keep on going. All the best for this little cutie.
Hugs from caren
Patricia – I have only now seen this great article about this beautiful animal. My goodness she is stunning. Look at the keeper’s expression when he looks at her. Thank you so much for sharing.