National Zoo Celebrates Birth of Rare Clouded Leopards

Notoriously difficult to breed, two new clouded leopards are born at the National Zoo’s research facility

  • By Cristina Santiestevan
  • Smithsonian.com, March 25, 2009, Subscribe
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Clouded leopard cubs
For the first time in 16 years, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center celebrated the birth of clouded leopard cubs. (Lisa Ware, Smithsonian National Zoo)

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Rarely has a birth been so anticipated, or the wait so suspenseful. On March 24, for the first time in 16 years, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center celebrated the birth of clouded leopard cubs.

The cubs weigh about half a pound each and are in good health. Because female clouded leopards sometimes harm their cubs, the newborns were promptly removed from their mother, two-year-old Jao Chu, and placed in an incubator. They will be hand-raised by staff at the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia.

The Smithsonian is widely recognized as the leader in conservation and research of clouded leopards. Since 1978, more than 70 clouded leopard cubs have been born at the Conservation and Research Center. But the last litter was born there in 1993, and no clouded leopards have been born at any North American zoo or conservation facility for the past six years. These cubs are the result of a new approach to clouded leopard reproduction, and represent hope for a species threatened by extinction.

Clouded leopards are so secretive that their current range can only be guessed at and population estimates vary widely. Scientists say 10,000 or fewer of the wild cats remain in the forests of Southeast Asia and surrounding islands.

The smallest of the big cats, clouded leopards weigh just 30 to 50 pounds and are about five feet long—although approximately half of that is tail. Their short legs, long tails and oversized paws help them balance on small branches, and their flexible ankles allow them to run down trees headfirst. The cloud-like pattern of their coats gives them their name, and helps them disappear into the shadows of the forest.

Despite their well-camouflaged coats and elusive nature, many clouded leopards are killed by poachers for their pelts. Poaching, combined with development-driven deforestation and habitat fragmentation, has made the clouded leopard one of Asia’s most endangered cats.

“We are the champions of this species,” says Dr. JoGayle Howard, who heads up the Smithsonian’s clouded leopard conservation program. It organizes and leads research on the cat’s behavior, hormonal cycles, reproductive physiology, natural history and more. “You can’t just do one little piece and hope to save a species,” says Howard.

The National Zoo has partnered with the Nashville Zoo and the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand to launch the Thailand Clouded Leopard Consortium and a clouded leopard breeding program at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo on the outskirts of Bangkok. Since its inception in 2002, the consortium has produced 32 surviving cubs, all hand-raised, including Jao Chu and her mate, Hannibal.


Rarely has a birth been so anticipated, or the wait so suspenseful. On March 24, for the first time in 16 years, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center celebrated the birth of clouded leopard cubs.

The cubs weigh about half a pound each and are in good health. Because female clouded leopards sometimes harm their cubs, the newborns were promptly removed from their mother, two-year-old Jao Chu, and placed in an incubator. They will be hand-raised by staff at the Conservation and Research Center in Front Royal, Virginia.

The Smithsonian is widely recognized as the leader in conservation and research of clouded leopards. Since 1978, more than 70 clouded leopard cubs have been born at the Conservation and Research Center. But the last litter was born there in 1993, and no clouded leopards have been born at any North American zoo or conservation facility for the past six years. These cubs are the result of a new approach to clouded leopard reproduction, and represent hope for a species threatened by extinction.

Clouded leopards are so secretive that their current range can only be guessed at and population estimates vary widely. Scientists say 10,000 or fewer of the wild cats remain in the forests of Southeast Asia and surrounding islands.

The smallest of the big cats, clouded leopards weigh just 30 to 50 pounds and are about five feet long—although approximately half of that is tail. Their short legs, long tails and oversized paws help them balance on small branches, and their flexible ankles allow them to run down trees headfirst. The cloud-like pattern of their coats gives them their name, and helps them disappear into the shadows of the forest.

Despite their well-camouflaged coats and elusive nature, many clouded leopards are killed by poachers for their pelts. Poaching, combined with development-driven deforestation and habitat fragmentation, has made the clouded leopard one of Asia’s most endangered cats.

“We are the champions of this species,” says Dr. JoGayle Howard, who heads up the Smithsonian’s clouded leopard conservation program. It organizes and leads research on the cat’s behavior, hormonal cycles, reproductive physiology, natural history and more. “You can’t just do one little piece and hope to save a species,” says Howard.

The National Zoo has partnered with the Nashville Zoo and the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand to launch the Thailand Clouded Leopard Consortium and a clouded leopard breeding program at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo on the outskirts of Bangkok. Since its inception in 2002, the consortium has produced 32 surviving cubs, all hand-raised, including Jao Chu and her mate, Hannibal.

Breeding clouded leopards is not as simple as combining a male and a female. Male clouded leopards have a gruesome record of attacking, maiming and sometimes killing potential female partners. The attacks come without warning, and the results are often fatal. While they still don’t understand the reasons behind the attacks, Howard and her team have learned to reduce the risk. In fact, their efforts to understand and prevent male aggression are what led to this birth.

Most cat species will not breed if the male and female are raised together. But, providing further evidence that clouded leopards are like no other cat, raising a pair together seems to be the only thing that does work for this species. “We now know that introductions work best with very young males who are just six months old” explains Ken Lang, the Conservation and Research Center’s mammal unit supervisor. Historically, most of the attacks occurred when already mature males were introduced to potential partners. This aggression is much less common if future pairs are allowed to mature together.

Hannibal and Jao Chu were introduced in Thailand when they were about six months old. The two grew up together and arrived at the Front Royal center in February 2008. They are now the only compatible pair among the Conservation and Research Center’s 12 clouded leopards. Their cubs prove that the technique works, and the implications for breeding more clouded leopards are “huge,” says Howard.

The cubs’ genes may be their most valuable trait. There are only about 75 clouded leopards in North American’s captive population, and many of these animals are too old or too closely related to be successfully bred. The new cubs' parents, however, are only one or two generations removed from the wild, so they are likely to carry genes that are different from those in the North American clouded leopard population. With any luck, each of the new cubs will be paired with a future partner by the time they are six months old.

In fact, Howard is already thinking about potential partners for the cubs. The North American Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan, which coordinates breeding among the captive population, makes pairing recommendations based on the genetics and pedigree of each cat. These two cubs, with their wild genes, will be in high demand.

In the meantime, Howard and her team are not slowing down. “We just keep going,” says Howard, who credits thirty-years of science-based clouded leopard research for this birth. “It takes science, it takes research to understand a difficult species like this.” In fact, the Smithsonian’s Conservation and Research Center has ambitious plans for a multi-million-dollar clouded leopard breeding and research facility. Once completed, the facility will be able to house ten pairs of clouded leopards. Perhaps one or both of Jao Chu’s cubs will eventually produce their own cubs here.

But the National Zoo may not have to wait nearly that long to celebrate their next clouded leopard birth. Last week, just as the Conservation and Research Center’s staff began to organize a 24-hour birth-watch for Jao Chu, the Zoo’s second clouded leopard pair was spotted mating. The two—Mook and Tai—have mated before, but have never produced cubs. Howard is hopeful this time, saying the interaction appeared to be successful and the female “seemed more relaxed” than in the past.

For now, Howard and her team remain focused on the cubs. “Getting through the first week will be big,” she says. “Getting through the second week will be bigger. Every day’s a milestone.”


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Comments (30)

haha what is this site i found it!

Posted by nicole sauve on November 28,2012 | 11:49 AM

Name of cub suggestion. Thunder and Storm. Cotten and Candy.. I like the first pair better..

Posted by Renee on March 7,2012 | 03:24 PM

Wow! They are adorable. CONGRATULATIONS........Take good care of them. Hope to see them one day. They're so small and beautiful.

Posted by ann foster on May 7,2010 | 09:46 AM

soooo cute

Posted by des on November 18,2009 | 11:46 AM

The Cubs are sooooooooooooo cute i will have to go see them this summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Shadow on May 26,2009 | 11:33 AM

What beautiful little creatures. Congrats. to all.

Posted by Roger Burns on May 19,2009 | 04:41 PM

Congrats! So cool! these guys are tiny :)

Posted by Me2 on May 5,2009 | 09:16 AM

poor creatures..they r so cute :( people who poach helpless animals are really sick, its not right. Its because of us those poor cats have been almost driven into extinction...

Posted by Me on May 4,2009 | 01:14 PM

AWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!they are so cute..they don't deserve to be threatened by extinction... Congrats on the cubs!I wish I could come see them...but I live in Michigan.

Posted by Avery on April 28,2009 | 05:23 PM

Good on ya!!! It's so wonderful so see the new little cloudys. My husband and I traveled from Wyoming to Tacoma, Washington just see the clouded leopards there and it was a wonderful experience.

Posted by Lynne Lucas on April 24,2009 | 05:49 PM

It's horrible that they were taken from their mother !!! She must be grieving!!! Why can't you at least give her the chance to be a good mom? What if she's excellent with them? That is really disgusting and I'm deeply disappointed. It would be easy enough to monitor her.

Posted by Caitlyn on April 22,2009 | 05:59 PM

Congrates!!!! On the Birth of the lepards.. they are soo cute i think the Zoo will do a Great job at keeping these baby lepard in great condition.

Posted by Rhain on April 22,2009 | 10:33 AM

They look so cute and happy I feel bad they can't be with their mother, but they are lucky to be alive. I'm sure there in good hands right now. I'm in the 6th grade and i love that they were in the Current Events magazins. good luck with the Cubs.

Posted by Kendra.Darby on April 18,2009 | 09:38 AM

they are so CUTE SOOOOO CUTE i am a 5 grade and current events is sooo cool!!

Posted by emma on April 16,2009 | 09:25 PM

Awwwww they are sooo cute!!! I think that this zoo will do a great job. Thanks for the chance to see them up close!

Posted by Kylie on April 16,2009 | 06:19 PM

I was a little upset to learn that these cubs were taken from their mother on the fact that this species 'sometimes' harm their cubs. They could have at least kept one with the mother. I'm sure that the mother will be depressed now - any news on that from the Zoo ? And will there be any attempt to reunite cubs w/mother ?? Thank you.

Posted by Rebecca Cortese on March 31,2009 | 12:45 PM

Unfortunately,Francine, mothers of many animal species, who have killed or maimed their newborn offspring in the past will do it again and again. Better that they survive, even if they are imprinted to the humans that are caring for them. I feel sure that plans have been made to expose them to other cats and suitable habitat as soon as it is safe for them to do so.

Posted by Judy on March 30,2009 | 02:12 AM

It's interesting to see them with a different color. It's hard to tell where their faces are. I hope they'lll thrive.

Posted by Victress Jenkins on March 30,2009 | 10:35 PM

Congratulations! However, wouldn't it be better to leave the cubs with their mother? How great is the risk of harm if they are left with her, versus the risk of maternal deprivation to the cubs?

Posted by Francine Last on March 30,2009 | 02:22 PM

Congratulations on the birth of these beautiful cats. Keeping this endangered species going is so worth it. Well done!

Posted by Diane Rooney on March 30,2009 | 11:15 AM

These precious cubs are absolutely adorable!! What terrific news. By the way, Sandra, unless you are an expert in animal biology these cubs may need the necessary stimulation to digest and excrete waste. I'm sure the scientists at CRC know what they're doing.

Posted by Carla Landoza on March 30,2009 | 10:00 AM

I am feel very good that there people like Smithsonian care about those rare and beautiful cats

Posted by GHASSAN RAZZUQI on March 30,2009 | 03:24 AM

This is indeed a wonderful occasion & thank you for the breeding program. However, I object to the handler's continued tapping of the kitten's head after feeding and his not allowing the kitten to relax with the nipple after the bottle was empty. Please use production crews that are cognizant of the animal's needs the next time you film.

Posted by Sandra on March 29,2009 | 02:04 AM

What a wonderful event! Congratulations to all involved. Will the cubs be reintroduced to the National Zoo when they are a bit older or are there other plans for them?

Posted by Ann Losurdo on March 29,2009 | 10:42 PM

Congratulations to Dr. JoGayle Howard and her entire team for their tireless efforts in keeping these beautiful cats one step away from extinction. I saw a film of her working in Thailand and can only imagine her joy in seeing these two cubs alive and well. Without the incredible talent and skills of everyone at Rock Creek and Front Royal, our world would be in serious trouble. Thank you all.

Posted by Laura Reid on March 29,2009 | 10:13 PM

I just watched the video of the feeding. Those babies have some horrendous claws - do you clip them?

Posted by Betsy Twining on March 29,2009 | 09:41 PM

Congratulations on the birth of these beautiful leopards. They add another touch of beauty to our world. Thank you so much for all your hard work to keep them from becoming extinct.

Posted by Becky Haywood on March 29,2009 | 09:18 PM

Love on my face is evident in photo when they were first shown San Diego, so those at the Washington National Zoo are equally precious to me. Great work taking care of this beautiful species!

Posted by P K BENNETT on March 29,2009 | 09:05 PM

How wonderful, such beautiful creatures, thanks to all involved!

Posted by Gerald O'Hearn on March 29,2009 | 04:49 PM

Congratulations to all of us! Thank you Smithsonian for your efforts to preserve this beautiful cat. I have seen adults and young in the Nashville Zoo and marveled at their grace, gorgeous coat and regal attitudes.

Posted by Virginia Carnahan on March 29,2009 | 03:42 PM

I've never seen this species before. Are they only at the Smithsonian National Research Center, and in Thailand? Also does removing them from the mother do any harm to her? And can they grow larger than 30 to 50 pounds. And do you have any photos of full grown? If so I'd love to have them.

Posted by Mona Albano on March 29,2009 | 03:00 PM

Congratulations on the baby Clouded Leopards!! They are some of the prettiest cats, and I'm so grateful you're working so hard to keep them around!

Posted by Lynn Hoffman on March 29,2009 | 12:43 PM

As Director of Conservation, Research and Education, Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, I am so pleased hearing this good news. Dr. JoGayle Howard and our Zoo Consortium, worked so hard within Thailand and the U.S. to achieve this rare Clouded Leopard Conservation Breeding Program. We really hope the Clouded Leopards from Thailand will play the major role to make the survival plan in North America successfully. Clouded Leopard is not the wildlife belong to only South America or South East Asia, but they belong to our planet. Congratulation !!!

Posted by Sumate Kamolnorranath, D.V.M on March 28,2009 | 10:44 PM



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