This is Umi and she is an Amur Leopard, the rarest big cat in the world. It is estimated that there are less than 30 left in the wild with 200 in captivity. Umi has mothered a large number of cubs over the years and has given a lot to captive conservation efforts. If the Amur leopard is to survive due to captive efforts, it will be in no small part because of this female.

Umi passed away recently; her old age caught up with her. I found she was usually grumpy and was not usually thrilled with people getting too close. Oddly enough, she never growled or hissed at me - she always just stared into me like what you see in the photo. She commands a lot of respect and deserves to be recognized.

You did great, Umi.

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If you want to find out more about Amur Leopards and what you can do to help, check out this http://www.amur-leopard.org/index.htm