They were born in February but the two clouded leopard kittens have only been away from their mother and photographed twice — once for neonatal checks at about 2-weeks-old and again Tuesday when they got their vaccinations.
Highly endangered clouded leopards, one of the world’s oldest feline species, are very secretive and typically found in forests in Southern China, Taiwan and Malaysia. The leopards are frequently hunted for their attractive pelts and their population in the wild is believed to be under 10,000 animals.
The male and female kittens were born Feb. 11th at Zoo Miami to their mother, Serai, and their father, Rajasi. This is the second litter for the parents who were both born in 2011.
During Tuesday’s vaccinations both kittens also had medical exams and seem to be developing well, according to Zoo Miami spokesman Ron Magill.
“Both offspring appear to be thriving and the mother continues to be attentive and nursing them on a regular basis,” Magill said.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Bronx Zoo tiger that contracted the disease, Zoo Miami workers are taking special precautions around all of the animals they are caring for.
“New procedures include stepping into disinfecting footbaths prior to entering any feline area as well as using masks and gloves while working in those areas,” Magill said.
Zoo Miami in southwest Miami-Dade has been closed to visitors since March 19th, but the attraction is anxious to welcome people back and have them see the two new clouded leopards as soon as they are ready to go on display.
Until then, “I hope that this can bring a smile to some of your faces,” Magill wrote in the email that included pictures of the newborn kittens.
