Shiva, a rare Persian Leopard cub born at Zoo Berlin, was not shy about voicing her displeasure when she received her latest round of vaccinations. 

Despite Shiva's disapproval, it was important for the
veterinary staff to vaccinate the cub against feline distemper
and other diseases.  This was a challenging
task because Shiva had to be separated from her mother, Yerevan.  Since her birth on July 1, Shiva and her mother have been inseparable.  Shiva made her public debut last week.

Photo Credit:  Zoo Berlin

Shiva is the fifth cub for Yerevan, age 11. 
Shiva’s father Haakon is age 16 – quite an advanced age for a big cat.

Persian
Leopards were once found throughout central Asia, but they now live only in
fragmented populations in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and the Caucasus.  Iran holds the largest population of wild
Persian Leopards, with about 700 remaining there.  These small, separate groups of Leopards are
threatened by further loss of habitat, armed conflict, and reduction of prey
species.  Currently, about 100 Persian
Leopards live in zoos, where managed breeding programs could counteract the
long-term decline of these cats in the wild.