ATLANTA — At long last, one of Asia’s most beautiful and elusive cat species may be seen prowling the forests of Zoo Atlanta once more. A 9-month-old female clouded leopard has joined the Zoo family, and lucky visitors may enjoy sightings as she explores her habitat for the first time later this month.
“We’re thrilled about introducing a clouded leopard to our Members and guests. We expect our visitors to be very excited about her,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO. “Cats are popular members of our collection, and this is an exceptionally beautiful species that hails from a part of the world that’s very much in need of conservation action.”
Born March 13, 2014, at Miami Metrozoo, the clouded leopard, who has not yet been named, arrived at Zoo Atlanta in November. She will complete a routine 30-day quarantine period before being introduced to her outdoor habitat in the Zoo’s Complex Carnivores exhibit.
The young clouded leopard has some big paws to fill. The Zoo’s geriatric clouded leopard, 16-year-old male Moby, passed in 2013. Like her predecessor and like clouded leopards in general, the new arrival is secretive and shy, so sightings of her in her first days in her habitat will be a special treat for guests.
Largely as a result of their characteristic reclusiveness, little is known about clouded leopard populations in the wild. Native to Southeast Asia, the species is currently classified as vulnerable but faces declines as a result of habitat destruction and hunting for their skins. Two of the countries in their range, Borneo and Sumatra, are now facing some of the most rapid rates of deforestation on the planet.