Anne-Marie, I'd guess he'd prefer the hand offering the biscuits. On the other occasion I visited, he was clearly interested in me — and not, I think, with the most benign of intents. He was truly magnificent.
Watercats, this region (Kumaon) is possibly most famous worldwide for the series of books written by Jim Corbett in the early 20th century about man-eating tigers and leopards (Corbett National Park, one of India's most famous, is named after him — he became an ardent conservationist long before it entered the general consciousness). While tigers have probably gone from everywhere but the park, leopards still roam the region and kill people every year. Shortly after I left Uttaranchal, I learned a leopard had recently killed three children. I admire your attitude — what a way to go! — but I have no intention of letting it happen to me :^)
December 2006. At Naini Tal zoo, Uttaranchal, the foothills of the Himalaya.
Nice puss! Do you think she would like a scratch behind the ears and some cat biscuits?
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful photo but quite unsettling. That eye does not seem friendly! But look at those gorgeous markings.
You just wouldn't want one of them coming at you would you!....mind you.. it would be a fantastic way to die, if you had to!
ReplyDeleteAnne-Marie, I'd guess he'd prefer the hand offering the biscuits. On the other occasion I visited, he was clearly interested in me — and not, I think, with the most benign of intents. He was truly magnificent.
ReplyDeleteWatercats, this region (Kumaon) is possibly most famous worldwide for the series of books written by Jim Corbett in the early 20th century about man-eating tigers and leopards (Corbett National Park, one of India's most famous, is named after him — he became an ardent conservationist long before it entered the general consciousness). While tigers have probably gone from everywhere but the park, leopards still roam the region and kill people every year. Shortly after I left Uttaranchal, I learned a leopard had recently killed three children. I admire your attitude — what a way to go! — but I have no intention of letting it happen to me :^)
A stunning photograph - but no one should be that close to a tiger, not even with a great big lens!
ReplyDeleteRR, thanks. I should make it quite clear there was heavy steel netting between us. I'd have been pretty nervous otherwise.
ReplyDelete