TORONTO — I spy with my little eye…well, actually, nothing.

That’s because snow leopards are known for blending into their surroundings, becoming practically invisible as one video has proven.

Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian, Scotland has issued a challenge to animal lovers and eagle-eyed fans alike, to spot one of its snow leopards in a video before time runs out. Nela, the snow leopard in question, has effectively camouflaged itself amid a rocky hillside, kickstarting what may just be the world’s most difficult round of I Spy.

According to Five Sisters, snow leopards have white and gray fur with large dark rosettes, making it easy for them to blend with the rocky mountains of Asia, where they live. Other fun facts about these gorgeous cats that we bet you didn’t know? They can leap six times the length of their body (up to 15.2 metres!), they have tails one-metre long, which help them balance while hunting, and they can also endure frigid temperatures of -40 degrees. 

Sadly, the snow leopard is considered a vulnerable species, with poaching, climate change and habitat fragmentation and loss being its main threats. As stated on Five Sisters’ website, wildlife conservation “is at the heart of what we do,” which means the zoo is actively working with conservation partners around the world, participating in breeding programs, restoration projects and education initiatives. Most recently, in January 2024 it welcomed Yampil the Asiatic Black Bear, who was rescued by Ukrainian soldiers after the zoo it had been living in in the Donetsk region of Ukraine was nearly destroyed during conflict. 

It warms our hearts to know that Yampil has found a happy home in Scotland with his new friends, the snow leopards – assuming, of course, he can actually see them.

So, what about you? Have you spotted Nela in the video yet? Watch Video Here