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Leo the Snow Leopard
The true story of a baby snow leopard's amazing rescue.
When Leo was less than seven weeks old, he became orphaned in the snowy Himalayan mountains in Pakistan. Snow leopards need their mothers during the first two years of their lives, but Leo was all alone. Luckily, the cub was rescued by a kind shepherd and his family, who hand-fed Leo and kept him safe. But Leo quickly grew too large and was given to Pakistani authorities, who also found themselves without the resources to help him. When the Wildlife Conservation Society learned of Leo's plight, they knew they had to do something. There was a special place that could save Leo:
When Leo was less than seven weeks old, he became orphaned in the snowy Himalayan mountains in Pakistan. Snow leopards need their mothers during the first two years of their lives, but Leo was all alone. Luckily, the cub was rescued by a kind shepherd and his family, who hand-fed Leo and kept him safe. But Leo quickly grew too large and was given to Pakistani authorities, who also found themselves without the resources to help him. When the Wildlife Conservation Society learned of Leo's plight, they knew they had to do something. There was a special place that could save Leo:
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 10, 2012
"It is not easy to be a snow leopard who needs his mother and doesn't have one. Likewise, it is not easy to be a human who needs to rescue and care for a wild animal. But Leo [the baby snow leopard] and the people who saved him went to extraordinary measures to help one another. This is their amazing story."
Indeed, it is fascinating and inspiring to learn how Leo (named for the meowing sound he made as a cub) was rescued by a farmer in the snowy Krakoram mountain range in Northern Pakistan and, through a great deal of teamwork, was brought to the Bronx Zoo to become an ambassador for his species and, hopefully, a father to help further the lineage of his endangered species.
I really liked the cross-cultural efforts, how people from diverse countries were united in their affection for this sweet little creature, and how they were willing to work together to make sure he survived and thrived. The photographs are wonderful, especially if, like me, you love cats and big cats. I couldn't help but feel a bit sad as young Leo had many losses (first his mother, then being taken from the farmer and farmer's family who cared for him for a few months and next from the World Wildlife Fund staff member who cared for him thereafter until his transport to America), but he seemed to weather these changes well and to bond with his new zookeepers and even with a female snow leopard who was born at the Bronx Zoo. I certainly wish him, and all the snow leopards facing challenges in the wild, the best of luck.
Though the story is more informational that "storytelling" and might not be engaging for young children, I think it would appeal to those interested in animals. The information in the back about the zoo, conservation, etc. is a nice addition though sensitive readers may want to skip the last section about "Endangered Species and International Laws" that is a bit more specific about the (sad) threats facing this species.
Indeed, it is fascinating and inspiring to learn how Leo (named for the meowing sound he made as a cub) was rescued by a farmer in the snowy Krakoram mountain range in Northern Pakistan and, through a great deal of teamwork, was brought to the Bronx Zoo to become an ambassador for his species and, hopefully, a father to help further the lineage of his endangered species.
I really liked the cross-cultural efforts, how people from diverse countries were united in their affection for this sweet little creature, and how they were willing to work together to make sure he survived and thrived. The photographs are wonderful, especially if, like me, you love cats and big cats. I couldn't help but feel a bit sad as young Leo had many losses (first his mother, then being taken from the farmer and farmer's family who cared for him for a few months and next from the World Wildlife Fund staff member who cared for him thereafter until his transport to America), but he seemed to weather these changes well and to bond with his new zookeepers and even with a female snow leopard who was born at the Bronx Zoo. I certainly wish him, and all the snow leopards facing challenges in the wild, the best of luck.
Though the story is more informational that "storytelling" and might not be engaging for young children, I think it would appeal to those interested in animals. The information in the back about the zoo, conservation, etc. is a nice addition though sensitive readers may want to skip the last section about "Endangered Species and International Laws" that is a bit more specific about the (sad) threats facing this species.
December 8, 2010
Here’s another nicely-presented animal rescue story from the authors behind Owen and Mzee.
Boasting stunning photos, Leo is the story of a snow leopard found orphaned in the Himalayas by a goat herder, and his eventual journey to America’s Bronx zoo. (Leo could not be released into the wild because he had imprinted on humans at an early age, a deadly situation in an area plagued by poaching.)
The text also includes in-depth information about snow leopards and endangered species in general. Unfortunately, the rare cats continue to be illegally killed for their fur.
Leo would make a nice humane education resource for discussions on endangered species, helping animals, and selflessness (the goat herder could have decided to harm the leopard for financial gain, but he chose to do the right thing instead).
Those who do not like the idea of zoos will probably dislike the decidedly pro-zoo and pro-captive breeding bent of this story. I personally am not anti-zoo, but I thought I’d throw that out there.
Boasting stunning photos, Leo is the story of a snow leopard found orphaned in the Himalayas by a goat herder, and his eventual journey to America’s Bronx zoo. (Leo could not be released into the wild because he had imprinted on humans at an early age, a deadly situation in an area plagued by poaching.)
The text also includes in-depth information about snow leopards and endangered species in general. Unfortunately, the rare cats continue to be illegally killed for their fur.
Leo would make a nice humane education resource for discussions on endangered species, helping animals, and selflessness (the goat herder could have decided to harm the leopard for financial gain, but he chose to do the right thing instead).
Those who do not like the idea of zoos will probably dislike the decidedly pro-zoo and pro-captive breeding bent of this story. I personally am not anti-zoo, but I thought I’d throw that out there.
September 23, 2013
We've read several books by Craig Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, and Juliana Hatkoff and we've enjoyed learning about the different animals and parts of the world we will likely never see. The narratives are informative without being overwhelming with details and the photographs are amazing.
In this story, we learn of an orphaned snow leopard who is rescued and makes a dangerous journey to his new home at the Bronx Zoo. The story is a fairly quick read and we oohed and ahhhed at all of the adorable photos of the young cat. We enjoyed reading this book together.
This book was selected as one of the books for the December 2013 - Snow Animals discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
In this story, we learn of an orphaned snow leopard who is rescued and makes a dangerous journey to his new home at the Bronx Zoo. The story is a fairly quick read and we oohed and ahhhed at all of the adorable photos of the young cat. We enjoyed reading this book together.
This book was selected as one of the books for the December 2013 - Snow Animals discussion at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
August 1, 2011
Leo is found as an orphaned cub by a kind Pakistani goat herd. Once Leo gets too big for the goat herd to care for, the Pakistani authorities step in and they in turn, call in the Wildlife Conservation Society. Leo goes on a complicated and dangerous trip from the Himalayas to the Bronx Zoo, where experts on the endangered snow leopard now care for him. I liked how this story showed such cooperation between Pakistani and the US organizations and gov't authorities, and the kindness and bravery of the people involved. Of course, even though we have snow leopards at our own zoo, Logan now wants to go see Leo in New York.
October 11, 2010
Another affecting animal rescue and conservation story from this reliable team in the familiar format.
April 4, 2024
I picked this up at Goodwill for my great-niece. Four stars for this children's book" The photographs of Leo the snow leopard are appealing, and the story is the classic orphaned cub is rescued and goes to a zoo story. At least the Bronx Zoo looks like it has a decent habitat. Leo was rescued in 2005, and he came to the zoo in 2006. AS of 2017, he was a grandfather, according to this story: "More than 70 snow leopard cubs have been born at the Bronx Zoo, which was the first American zoo to exhibit these “ghost cats” in 1903, the zoo said. They are called such because their coloration helps them blend into the rocks and snow of their native mountains of Central Asia and parts of China, Mongolia, Russia, India and Bhutan."
https://www.metro.us/adorable-snow-le...
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society and is home to the society’s global conservation program, which has a long history of snow leopard conservation in China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.
https://www.metro.us/adorable-snow-le...
The Bronx Zoo is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society and is home to the society’s global conservation program, which has a long history of snow leopard conservation in China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia.
May 29, 2017
We use and excerpt from Owen & Mzee in our curriculum and the kids always want to find and read the whole book. This book would be the same way. I think that lost and helpless animals are one of the few things we can all agree are troubling. This book, and all of them, do a great job introducing the reader to different places around the globe, people that care for animals and our environment in different ways, and how teamwork is what is necessary for these animals to survive. This is a great addition to our environments unit for science or our teamwork unit at the beginning of the year.
January 23, 2018
This is a sweet story with valuable information about the snow leopard and the agencies that help care for abandon or injured animals around the globe. I like the introduction at the beginning and the information at the end also. Well done.
March 26, 2018
This is a heartwarming story with lots of great pictures. A little repetitive. Also, while there were areas of dense, fact intensive text before and after the story, I would have like to have seen more information about these animals within the actual story.
September 25, 2017
this was an interesting book. I felt that it was a better book for second or third graders rather than younger readers.
May 16, 2020
Leo's a cute snow leopard, and this is about his journey from Pakistan to the Bronx.
June 6, 2025
A book with lovely pictures of a beautiful animal. The last two pages also give a good summary of conservation efforts.
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April 25, 2016Title: Leo the Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue
Author: Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Photographic Essay
Theme(s): Recue, Teamwork, Happiness
Opening line/sentence: This is the true story of a baby snow leopard named Leo, an orphan who was too young to be on his own, in the wild, without a family or a home.
Brief Book Summary: A baby leopard was found and taken in by a local family. After the family realized that they could no longer care for the leopard, they give it to the World Wildlife Fund in Pakistani. They decided he would be best fitted in the United States in a zoo, so these people took the journey to give the orphaned leopard, which they named Leo, a home. When he got to the zoo, he acted more like a human, since that was all he knew. Eventually, he got comfortable in the zoo and people agreed that putting Leo there would help the snow leopard species.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Paula Day (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 3))
This nonfiction picture book is the story of Leo, an endangered snow leopard, and his amazing story of survival. He was orphaned when less than seven weeks old and found by a goat herder who hand-fed him until he grew too large to care for. The Wildlife Conservation Society helped Leo get from Pakistan to the Bronx Zoo in New York. He is now thriving and learning how to be a grown-up snow leopard. Readers will delight in this story of a tiny snow leopard that inspired an international community to help save him. Nonfiction. Grades 1 and up. 2010, Scholastic, Unpaged., $17.99. Ages 6 up.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2010.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Gayle R. Heath (Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2011)
When a single organism of an endangered species is in need of rescuing, there is no political boundary that deters groups of dedicated individuals whose mission is to save that animal. In their sixth book of the Turtle Pond Collection, the Hatkoff s document another extraordinary rescue and profoundly moving story of an animal that needs saving -- Leo, the snow leopard! The orphaned cub was discovered by a goat herder in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan, who, he realized, would die without his mother. The goat herder took the cub home and cared for him until he got too large. Contacting the World Wildlife Fund offices, the story becomes one of cooperation, problem-solving, and dedication by individuals devoted to saving this magnificent species from extinction. It traces Leo s physical journey from Pakistan to the Bronx Zoo in New York City and his developmental journey while at the zoo, where he learns to be a snow leopard. Additional materials are included at the end of the book about snow leopards, the Wildlife Conservation Society, zoos and captive breeding, and endangered species and international laws. Studying endangered species, current geo-political events in southern Asia, or cooperation/problem-solving skills, this book would serve as a useful tool; it would also serve as a wonderful, stand-alone story of mankind s compassion. Category: Non-Fiction.. 2010, Scholastic Press, $17.99. Ages 5 to 11.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2010.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews talk about the amazing journey that Leo and the people went through to find him the right home and help the snow leopard species. The first review mentions how the community came together to find the snow leopard a happy home. Likewise, the second review talks about the importance of the cooperation, problem solving, and dedication by individuals, saving the species from extinction.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This books talks about the importance of working together to help others in need. There are many obstacles that the people had to overcome to get Leo a save and happy home. Students need to understand what they have and be happy for the families they have. Leo was left alone to fend for himself, which he was clearly unable to do alone. Students need to work together without arguing to solve problems as a group.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
I would have the students work together to solve a problem in a story that I would provide to them. They will need to come up with a plan to save the animal, explain which students would help, and how they will get the animal to safety. Another activity would be team activities and games to get the students working together and helping each other out. The games would be active and fun for all student to problem solve together.
Author: Juliana Hatkoff, Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Photographic Essay
Theme(s): Recue, Teamwork, Happiness
Opening line/sentence: This is the true story of a baby snow leopard named Leo, an orphan who was too young to be on his own, in the wild, without a family or a home.
Brief Book Summary: A baby leopard was found and taken in by a local family. After the family realized that they could no longer care for the leopard, they give it to the World Wildlife Fund in Pakistani. They decided he would be best fitted in the United States in a zoo, so these people took the journey to give the orphaned leopard, which they named Leo, a home. When he got to the zoo, he acted more like a human, since that was all he knew. Eventually, he got comfortable in the zoo and people agreed that putting Leo there would help the snow leopard species.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Paula Day (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 3))
This nonfiction picture book is the story of Leo, an endangered snow leopard, and his amazing story of survival. He was orphaned when less than seven weeks old and found by a goat herder who hand-fed him until he grew too large to care for. The Wildlife Conservation Society helped Leo get from Pakistan to the Bronx Zoo in New York. He is now thriving and learning how to be a grown-up snow leopard. Readers will delight in this story of a tiny snow leopard that inspired an international community to help save him. Nonfiction. Grades 1 and up. 2010, Scholastic, Unpaged., $17.99. Ages 6 up.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2010.)
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Gayle R. Heath (Kutztown University Book Review, Spring 2011)
When a single organism of an endangered species is in need of rescuing, there is no political boundary that deters groups of dedicated individuals whose mission is to save that animal. In their sixth book of the Turtle Pond Collection, the Hatkoff s document another extraordinary rescue and profoundly moving story of an animal that needs saving -- Leo, the snow leopard! The orphaned cub was discovered by a goat herder in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan, who, he realized, would die without his mother. The goat herder took the cub home and cared for him until he got too large. Contacting the World Wildlife Fund offices, the story becomes one of cooperation, problem-solving, and dedication by individuals devoted to saving this magnificent species from extinction. It traces Leo s physical journey from Pakistan to the Bronx Zoo in New York City and his developmental journey while at the zoo, where he learns to be a snow leopard. Additional materials are included at the end of the book about snow leopards, the Wildlife Conservation Society, zoos and captive breeding, and endangered species and international laws. Studying endangered species, current geo-political events in southern Asia, or cooperation/problem-solving skills, this book would serve as a useful tool; it would also serve as a wonderful, stand-alone story of mankind s compassion. Category: Non-Fiction.. 2010, Scholastic Press, $17.99. Ages 5 to 11.
(PUBLISHER: Scholastic Press (New York:), PUBLISHED: 2010.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews talk about the amazing journey that Leo and the people went through to find him the right home and help the snow leopard species. The first review mentions how the community came together to find the snow leopard a happy home. Likewise, the second review talks about the importance of the cooperation, problem solving, and dedication by individuals, saving the species from extinction.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: This books talks about the importance of working together to help others in need. There are many obstacles that the people had to overcome to get Leo a save and happy home. Students need to understand what they have and be happy for the families they have. Leo was left alone to fend for himself, which he was clearly unable to do alone. Students need to work together without arguing to solve problems as a group.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
I would have the students work together to solve a problem in a story that I would provide to them. They will need to come up with a plan to save the animal, explain which students would help, and how they will get the animal to safety. Another activity would be team activities and games to get the students working together and helping each other out. The games would be active and fun for all student to problem solve together.
September 24, 2016
I'm a sucker for all the books in the Turtle Pond Collection, which focuses on exotic animals and how humans rally to save them. Relying on a similar approach as was taken in Owen and Mzee, the authors tell the fascinating and rather unusual story of Leo, a snow leopard cub befriended by a Pakistani goat herder. When he realized that the cub was an orphan, the man took it home and did his best to care for it. As the animal grew larger, he did the right thing and got in touch with the World Wildlife Foundation. Because the country didn't have proper facilities for the snow leopard, Leo, which was what the animal was called, was transported to the Bronx Zoo in New York City. Large, awe-inspiring photographs and engaging text tell the story of his journey to his new home, complete with landslides over roads and flash floods. Once Leo started settling into his new abode, he was introduced to another snow leopard. Back matter includes information about wildlife conservation and captive breeding programs. Add this one to your collection of extraordinary animal stories and marvel at Leo's power and beauty while feeling grateful that one man took the time to save him and others willingly did their part as well.
December 1, 2013
I read Leo the Snow Leopard for one of the Children's Books group month reads. It is a wonderful true story accompanied by gorgeous photographs that really show how beautiful these big cats are. I am so glad that the Pakistani goat herder decided to rescue Leo rather than shoot him. And that he was willing to seek out other accommodation for him when he was too large for the herding family to take care of. Eventually, after lots of paper work, Leo is brought to the Bronx Zoo in New York, and was introduced to a female snow leopard. The hope is that the two will mate and produce more snow leopards.
I have loved snow leopards ever since I first saw them in the San Antonio Zoo, many years ago. Unfortunately, I don't believe this zoo has snow leopards any more.
I have loved snow leopards ever since I first saw them in the San Antonio Zoo, many years ago. Unfortunately, I don't believe this zoo has snow leopards any more.
January 25, 2014
I was not excited about this one at all, and I thought the 8 yr old would not like it, but once again, I was wrong.
This true to life conservation tale really got his attention. He was excited about Leo's journey and fell in love with the look of snow leopards. He was enchanted from beginning to end.
I felt like it was a huge pat-ourselves-on-the-back book but that is just my cynicism rearing its head. There is more information about snow leopards, wildlife conservation, and zoos in the author's notes at the end of the book
I would give the book 3*** but the actual kid-person gave it a 5*****, so I settled on a 4!
This true to life conservation tale really got his attention. He was excited about Leo's journey and fell in love with the look of snow leopards. He was enchanted from beginning to end.
I felt like it was a huge pat-ourselves-on-the-back book but that is just my cynicism rearing its head. There is more information about snow leopards, wildlife conservation, and zoos in the author's notes at the end of the book
I would give the book 3*** but the actual kid-person gave it a 5*****, so I settled on a 4!
March 13, 2011
Well, it's about a baby snow leopard rescue, so of COURSE I loved it! The pictures of Leo are fantastic, and so expressive. He was raised by people, and as a result is very friendly with his keepers- I find myself wistfully thinking what a career in a large zoo, like the Bronx Zoo, would be like taking care of big cats. Leo is so adorable, I wish I could sink my fingers deep into his fur! :)
April 8, 2011
This is a more basic book on rescuing animals focused on one specific animal. I read it, knowing that another animal this group profiled recently died in a zoo. It is less compelling to me than the scientists in the field because it is ultimately the story of an animal being captured and taken to a zoo. I do love the pictures, and snow leopards are of course gorgeous!
November 18, 2013
This was an interesting story, but more of a travelogue than we were looking for. My mom works in a zoo, so I understand their uses in rehabilitation of wildlife, but I don't understand what, if anything was done to return Leo to the wild. I wish there was more info about Leo and snow leopards than about the WWF and Bronx Zoo.
October 30, 2014
The Hatkoffs tell another true story of animal rescue with easy to read text and many photos. Leo's travel to the USA was daunting and full of obstacles but he arrives to the Bronx Zoo safely. While no sources about snow leopards are provided, there is detailed back matter on the animal, conservation, and breeding. A map is included as well at the end, wish it was in the body of the book.
April 5, 2011
This endangered species rescue includes international cooperation and travel while still focusing on the life of the snow leopard at the center of the story. One of a continuing series done by a father-daughters team. K-5.
January 26, 2016
A wonderful story about the rescue of a cute baby Snow Leopard named Leo. It's a beautiful story of human and animal interaction and one saving the other or both saving one another. Great children's book!
November 13, 2010
SUPER SUPER SUPER!!! I love the pictures and how it reads like a narrative but is really an informational text.
December 1, 2011
An absolutely lovely,moving nonfiction photo essay for younger readers, on my "best" list for young reluctant readers. A wise purchase for any library -- public, school or home. Loved this one.
December 8, 2011
so cute =)
April 2, 2012
This photographic essay about how a global community worked together to save the life of an orphaned snow leopard, is beautifully rendered with a strong conservation message. An amazing story!
February 13, 2013
Animal characteristics
Grades 2 - 5
Grades 2 - 5
July 26, 2013
beautiful pictures
December 6, 2013
Adorable pictures and such a sweet, inspiring story!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews