A rare female clouded leopard cub has been born – and her survival is vital.
The pint-sized predator arrived weighing about a pound and the size of a teddy bear.
She is the 45th cub born at the zoo since 1991 – and with clouded leopard numbers in steep decline, experts say her survival is “critical”, as reported by What’s The Jam.
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Following advice from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, she will be hand-reared by keepers.
Visitors can watch her grow up through the windows of Nashville Zoo’s HCA Healthcare Veterinary Centre.
Nashville Zoo in Nolensville Park, Nashville, US, has also welcomed a 10-week-old brother-sister pair from Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Once the new arrival is old enough, she will be introduced to the pair to help them all socialise.
In an announcement on 4 August, a spokesman for the zoo said: “Every cub counts when it comes to saving this vulnerable species.
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“Since the clouded leopard population is in steep decline, her survival is critical.
“Following the AZA Species Survival Plan’s recommendation, we’ve elected to hand-rear her.
“Watch her grow up through the windows of our HCA Healthcare Veterinary Centre!
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“We’ve also recently welcomed a 10-week-old brother-sister pair from Tanganyika Wildlife Park per the AZA’s SSP recommendation.
“Once the cub is of age, she will be introduced to the brother-sister pair, helping them socialise!
“Every cub counts when it comes to saving this vulnerable species.”
The leopard cub was born on 18 July.
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