@stevewinterphoto @natgeo This was shot for my upcoming @natgeo Leopard story in the Dec 2015 issue of National Geographic Magazine. Here is a leopard couple leaving breakfast, the sun is getting hot and they are looking for some shade. The male climbed a tree and slept for hours. The female went back from a bit more meat on their buffalo kill but was chased off by wild boar and then she climbed a tree and slept. This is the kind of emotion that we humans feel. Our animal family is so much like us - they find mates, they have kids, they have to feed themselves and their families, they feed themselves and their families in the same way we as humans used to! If we can find a way to believe they think, feel and have emotions, maybe we can treat them better and find a way to ensure their future on this planet. We do not treat our own human brothers and sisters very well sometimes. Remember just as an example of the importance of their homes - the forests. 50% of our oxygen comes from forest - the other 50% from the oceans. 75% of fresh water comes from forests. So if we save their homes - we help save ourselves. National Geographic launched the Big Cats Initiative to raise awareness and implement change to the dire situation facing big cats. Please visit CauseAnUproar.org to find out more about Build a Boma and other ways to become involved to save big cats! Give a High 5 for big cats! #5forbigcats @ http://ift.tt/1pthAcW #follow me @stevewinterphoto to see other images, thanks! @natgeo @thephotosociety @natgeocreative #bigcatsforever #ivoryfree #wildaid #bigcatsforever #beauty #me #follow #love #leopards #photooftheday #5forbigcats @eiainvestigator #rhinoswithoutborders #cute #racingextinction #startwith1thing by natgeo

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