Endangered kitten born at US zoo offers new hope
A tiny endangered clouded leopard was born at Lowry Park Zoo in the US earlier this month as is being called “milestone accomplishment” by vets at the zoo.
The kitten is the first-born to the zoo’s pair of four-year-old clouded leopards, and the offspring introduces new genetics into the managed population in North America. Now two weeks old, zoo vets say he is thriving and “has become a worldwide ambassador for his imperiled species.”
Dr. Larry Killmar, vice president of animal science and conservation said, “Species survival programs for animals like clouded leopards take years of planning, development and staff commitment. This kitten will contribute to the long term viability of our conservation efforts within the managed population, as well as range countries.”
The kitten is now housed in the zoo’s veterinary hospital, and there is no anticipated access at this time by the general public, zoo spokesman Rachel Nelson said. The kitten is feeding well and gaining weight – check how gorgeous it is in the video below.
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