Back in March of 2011 the Nashville Zoo welcomed 4 Clouded Leopard cubs. 3 cubs were born on March 19th to one mother and then on March 22 another mother had a single baby. Sadly, one of the triplets died shortly after birth. The 3 remaining cubs are being hand raised and look as if they are thriving.
Today I saw a video of the 3 cubs that shows these bundles of fur are on their way to being big healthy cats. As you will see these cubs are practicing their hunting and attack skills. Sure, they are chasing and attacking a camera but, I think the camera will live through it (at least for now).
Clouded Leopards in the wild are loosing more and more of their habitat which puts them on the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Animals as vulnerable. They are also in danger because of their pelt and people are wanting them for pets. Poaching of this elusive animal may be doing more damage than we know.
When these cubs are full grown they will get up to about 30 pounds and 3 feet long (their tail is another 2.5 feet).
Go ahead and watch this video of the Clouded Leopard Cubs, you are sure to fall in love with them and understand why it is so important to make sure this species is kept around. Oh and these cubs will be going on display at the Nashville Zoo as soon as they are weaned.
Newborn Clouded Leopard Cubs – 2 month old