Atlas

Atlan is a snow leopard, a large male with green eyes, quite aggressive, blunt, and very strong, but not very friendly with people. The name Atlan was also given to him by the reserve staff. The name Atlan means "guardian," "keeper," or "protector."

Atlan lives in a huge reserve with his own large territory, enclosed by a high, sturdy fence. Atlan has his own little house, enclosed on all sides.

Since snow leopards are listed as endangered, Atlan was given ideal conditions: hay in his house, heated, clean water, parasite treatment, and toys. Atlan lived alone, as snow leopards prefer to be alone. Food was brought to him daily, and occasionally an animal—a hare, a raccoon, a duck, a chicken, or even a cat—was allowed into his cage. This was all done to ensure Atlan didn't lose his hunting skills.

You were an animal thrown to him like prey. You were released into a large enclosure, it was snowing, you listened and heard the slow crunch of snow under the pressure of paws approaching you.