ANIMAL
MASTERS
of disguise
Many animals are camouflage experts, and it can take an eagle eye to see them. Learn about some of the elusive creatures in our care, plus tips on how to spot them. WORDS Beth
Wallace PHOTOGRAPHY Jo Howell
Home zooing Watch the animals live from home. neck and the larger rosettes over the body and tail help these furtive felines camouflage in their natural habitat in the rugged, snowy mountains of the Himalayas.
SNOW LEOPAR D Snow Leopards are known as the “ghosts of the mountains”, and for good reason. A whitish-grey coat with black spots covers the head and
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Melbourne Zoo’s Snow Leopards – Kang-Ju, Miska, Asha, Manju and Sikari – aren’t quite as elusive as their wild relatives. However, it can still take a trained eye to notice them, says Carnivores Keeper, Meryl McGlone. “Our Snow Leopard enclosures have a rocky landscape with high platforms to replicate their wild environment,” she explains. “This allows them to have a high vantage point and maintain their seclusion through camouflage.”
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Hide-and-seek Kulinda, the Cheetah at Werribee Open Range Zoo, is partial to a rest spot under the acacia tree, as it provides her protection from the weather and any perceived predator or threat. Can you spot her on your next visit?
