Pain

Wildlife photography had taken him into the deepest terrains of forests, and working in this zoo with manicured lawns was a cinch in comparison.

For the last time, he checked the list of animals he was supposed to capture on film. This one was the seventh, and Alan was transfixed by its grace of movement. The animal appeared to leap over air, as several pairs of eyes watched it.

The snow leopard’s eyes spoke a different language – of fear, separation, anxiety and pain of being in captivity. It did not synchronize with the magnificence of its appearance. The animal appeared to say,

I come from another world, and my mates await me on familiar terrains.

He put the camera down, and proceeded to apply for the animal’s release. The entire protocol would take time and a long battle with the authorities.