The Smithsonian’s National Zoo welcomed its first clouded leopard cubs earlier this year. The two new members of the zoo made their debut on Wednesday, September 11.
Paitoon (male) and Jilian (female) were born in April and March, respectively, at the Nashville Zoo. Despite the fact that the Smithsonian’s National Zoo has adult clouded leopards since 2006, these are the first babies it is home to.
They were shown to visitors between 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the clouded leopard exhibit.
“The cubs are extremely curious and precocious; they have been exploring and investigating every nook-and-cranny of their new home,” said Michael Brown-Palsgrove, curator of the Zoo’s Asia Trail, where the cubs are staying. “It’s a great time to visit the clouded leopard exhibit to see them and learn about all our conservation efforts here and in Thailand,” he continued.
According to the website of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, the cubs are learning how to climb, however, they still need to be monitored by their keepers.
The pair are being trained to join their daily and veterinary care. They are also being taught that they should only use their individual stations to eat their meals, as well as holding still during vaccinations and health exams.
Even though Paitoon and Jilian were born to different parents, they will not be breeding when they are older, because they are not considered an ideal genetic match.