SMALL CATS WORKSHOP

Cat Survival Trust, Hertfordshire

This venue provides quite a different selection of cats to those that you would find in other collections. Some of the cats form part of breeding programmes, and some have been acquired from zoos and private collections. Its location is quite close to, but not to be confused with and not connected with Santago. The trust has placed in excess of 2,000 surplus cats into new homes. A wonderful achievement.

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Click here to see Snow Leopard Cubs Photos

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Re-Release program for Snow Leopards

There are two large enclosures housing these marvellous creatures. You will be amazed by the length and thickness of their tails. Their athleticism just prior to feeding is amazing. Action pictures are aplenty when this happens. In 2009 the Cat Survival Trust formed a partnership with the government of India to breed snow leopards for eventual re-release into the wild. Three more important snow leopards will soon arrive here from India and the offspring of the most valued six animals at the Cat Survival Trust will return to India on a regular basis. The future offspring of these returning animals will then have absolutely no contact with humans and will be released into the wild in places where their prey density has been much increased. It will be an immense thrill to see animals whose grandsons and granddaughters will one day roam free in their natural habitat.

Lynx

There are a number of Lynx here in different enclosures. Some are quite sedentary and pose endlessly, while others are continuously on the move and much more challenging.

Caracals

There are also two caracals. The ears are the focal point of this fabulous cat. It can sometimes be quite difficult to zoom in tight and not chop off the long hairs on their ears. As with the lynx, this is a cardinal sin and is to be avoided.

Amur Leopards

There are also two new arrivals here. A beautiful pair of Amur Leopards, an endangered species of which there are now estimated to be no more than 40 left in the wild. They have gorgeous blue eyes and regularly snarl at the waiting cameras.

Serval & Clouded Leopard

A beautiful Serval will pose just a few feet away in front of great backgrounds. Although quite friendly, she will continually hiss and snarl, presenting you with some superb photo opportunities. A Clouded Leopard has just arrived in 2010 and will, hopefully be a great addition to this collection.

Geoffroy's Cat and Pumas

There is one Geoffroy's Cat, plus a pair of Pumas (also known as Cougars) with their two cubs. These two species complete the animals on show, and the day presents a quite unique collection of subjects.

Privileged Access

We photograph all the cats from inside the outer enclosures. This access is not enjoyed by the general public. All the photography will be from reasonably close and, headshots apart, long lenses are not required.