Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in Florida released this adorable video of one of a pair of clouded leopards born on February 29th. The two cubs, both female, are names Aiya and Shigu. According to a statement released by the zoo, the cubs are at a new stage in development where they are getting to explore the outside world, which is crucial to their development:
Exposing the cubs to different natural environments provides essential sensory enrichment for continued development. Interaction and socialization is carefully managed to help build confidence. Allowing guests to observe the cub at play provides an educational opportunity to communicate the needs and perils of this rare and vulnerable species.
Clouded Leopards are the smallest of the big cats, the Zoo says. They weigh only 30-60 pounds at maturity and measure about five feet long, including their tail. The clouded leopard is a shy and reclusive cat, native to Southeast Asia’s forests and rain forests. Due to deforestation, hunting and poaching, the species is listed as “vulnerable.”
Check out this adorable video of one of the new cubs fast asleep:
How cute is she?? Nothing cuter than a baby animal sleeping, especially a cat! The two sisters will be out in a habitat starting this week, allowing zoo guests a rare opportunity to watch them explore the grassy area under close supervision of the Zoo’s animal care team. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.