Page:Babyhood of Wild Beasts.djvu/245

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BABY LEOPARDS
197

Leopards are found in both Asia and Africa. They belong to the big cat family, and rank third in size to the lion and the tiger, measuring about two feet high and four feet long. They are remarkable for their grace of movement and beauty of skin, which is a beautiful pale yellow, mottled with handsome black spots. He is a good tree climber. The snow leopard, or Ounce, is one of the most beautiful animals in the world.

The black leopard looks exactly like a big black cat with glittering, green eyes.

From one to four babies are born at a time. They are inclined to be friendly with man and animals of different species. Leopards often make devoted pets, and I know several animal trainers who have received life-long devotion from their pet leopards. There are vicious ones, of course, but the most of them are worthy of consideration and respect.

The habits of little leopards in the wild state are much the same as the kittens of our domestic cats would be if they had not been handled by mankind. They are loving and playful with each