Giant Clam in Binghamton Zoo's Coral Reef

Amur Leopard at Binghamton Zoo

The Amur leopard didn't fall for the purring ploy. 

There are less than 50 Amur leopards remaining in the world in far Western Russia, in the same fragile region as the Amur tiger. They are classified critically endangered. There are also very few in captivity. The genetic pool is tiny and growing weaker.

Go see this magnificent cat in Binghamton; find a group working for survival of the Amur leopard and consider joining it. Reflect on how small the planet has become.

Cougar at Binghamton Zoo

There were very few other people at the zoo when I visited, and I had the two large cats to myself.

The cougar was pacing furiously as I approached and was further agitated by a zoo truck that drove by.

I purred. Loudly. 

It took notice, looked at me and eased its pacing. Fairly soon, in two elegant leaps, it got upon its highest shelf, lay down and, acting like other kitties, rubbed its head on the shelf, softened its eyes, relaxed and took cat naps. It is not asleep here, just enjoying being purred at! It was several minutes of magic.

Fennec Fox, Vulpes zerda, at Binghamton Zoo

There are two at Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park. Playful and curious, they are the smallest of all canids. They live  in the Sahara Desert and the Arabian Peninsula, and are perfectly adapted to life in a hot and dry place. Those ears are air conditioners. 

We find a fennec fox in Antoine de Saint Exupery's The Little Prince.