As a wildlife photographer, Rémi Vacher recently got to fulfill a lifelong dream — capturing stunning images of the world’s most elusive wild cat species in the rugged terrain of the Indian Himalayas.
“I was in an expedition … to look for snow leopards,” Vacher told The Dodo. “I definitely came with the purpose of finding and photographing snow leopards.”
Vacher was successful in his mission, returning home with numerous stunning photos of snow leopards in the wild.
But it also came with some delightful surprises.
One day on his trip, Vacher watched from afar as a snow leopard he’d been tracking came into full view on a snowy mountainside.
“Just seeing her walking in this deep snow was beautiful, because often you see them in a more cluttered landscape,” Vacher said.
But then in an instant, the unexpected happened — the snow leopard began to play.
Jumping and sliding through the snow with no apparent purpose but her own enjoyment, the snow leopard seemed delighted with life.
“When she started doing that, I couldn’t believe it,” Vacher said. “I’d never seen that behavior before, and the team that was with me (snow leopard experts) had never seen it before either!”
The scene revealed a playful side to a species still largely shrouded in mystery.
Snow leopards face a number of threats, including habitat loss and poaching. Vacher hopes his photography — both the haunting and the amusing — will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting them.
“It is a very endangered species that requires so much attention, which is why it is very close to my heart,” Vacher said. “Many people don’t know what a snow leopard is, so bringing attention to them is my role, as they are not easily accessible. The more people know, the more people care.”
Vacher continues:
“And I think somehow seeing a snow leopard enjoying herself can remind us that life is short and it is important to enjoy every moment.”
To see more of Rémi Vacher’s photography, visit his website here.
People Are Having A Very Tough Time Finding The Big Cat In This PhotoCan you spot him?