A rare newborn clouded leopard is opening his eyes just 10 days after he was born at Tampa Lowry Park Zoo in Florida.
The unnamed clouded leopard was born to parent leopards, "Yim" (male) and "Malee" (female) at the Tampa zoo. The parents were selected as potential mates by the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) - a program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) designed to support the conservation of select wildlife species at risk of extinction, according to a news release.
Including the baby leopard's recent birth, there are only 87 clouded leopards in 22 AZA-accredited institutions.
"This birth signifies a milestone accomplishment in our conservation programs at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo," Dr. Larry Killmar, VP of animal science and conservation, said in the news release. "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 tiny clouded leopard is healthy and being cared for by the zookeepers. The leopard will be under their care until he is about 3-months-old.
At that point, the SSP will decide where the leopard's forever home will be.
