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.
“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!
“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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