Monastery creates unique bond with endangered bharal

Monks feed and give medical care to blue sheep during harsh winter

On the snowy mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it's common for usually shy bharals - Himalayan blue sheep - to remain calm and unconcerned when saffron-robed figures come near.

The endangered animals' behavior speaks volumes about the level of comfort they have achieved with the monks who have taken to protecting them. As the harsh October-to-May winter season comes to a close, the bharals seem grateful for the monks' help.