Wild Cat Conservation Centre News

[Tigergal]

Cheetah cubs rejected by Mum

Unfortunately, the WCCC has posted on their socials tonight that Emmy, the cubs mother, has rejected all four after being sedated for health purposes. The entire post is below:


“We’ve got some sad news to share with you all tonight.

We needed to sedate Emmy for health purposes this week and upon her recovery she chose to not take back her cubs and has since rejected them.

Our team tried multiple things to try and reconnect Emmy with her cubs, though unfortunately they proved unsuccessful. We’ve seen this happen in nature before though it is the first time we’ve experienced it here at the centre.

The cubs are at an age where they are too old to be hand raised, though too young to fend for themselves, so our team are working around the clock to fill the void left by Emmy. Emmy herself is fully recovered and doing fine.

After a perfect 8 weeks this is really devastating to our team though rest assured we will be doing everything to care for our four little orphans.”

It’ll be interesting to see how they proceed, given the initial plan to re-wild these cubs and the cubs current age.

 

[Zoofan15]

Cheetah cubs rejected by Mum

Unfortunately, the WCCC has posted on their socials tonight that Emmy, the cubs mother, has rejected all four after being sedated for health purposes. The entire post is below:


“We’ve got some sad news to share with you all tonight.

We needed to sedate Emmy for health purposes this week and upon her recovery she chose to not take back her cubs and has since rejected them.

Our team tried multiple things to try and reconnect Emmy with her cubs, though unfortunately they proved unsuccessful. We’ve seen this happen in nature before though it is the first time we’ve experienced it here at the centre.

The cubs are at an age where they are too old to be hand raised, though too young to fend for themselves, so our team are working around the clock to fill the void left by Emmy. Emmy herself is fully recovered and doing fine.

After a perfect 8 weeks this is really devastating to our team though rest assured we will be doing everything to care for our four little orphans.”

It’ll be interesting to see how they proceed, given the initial plan to re-wild these cubs and the cubs current age.

That’s infortunate. Orana Wildlife Park has previously been in a similar situation (albeit through cubs being orphaned):

In January 2005, Yatima died, orphaning her litter of eleven week old cubs. The cubs were weaned, so the keepers remained largely hands off. Unlike the cubs in Orana’s hand-raised litters, the cubs remained wary of humans into adulthood. I met two of the males at a public feeding and they were stamping their feet and spitting at the crowds.

 

[Tigergal]

Cheetah Cubs Exton and Dottie pass away

Sadly this afternoon WCCC announced the death of two cheetah cubs born to Emmy earlier this year have passed away. It mentions that they both succumbed to their condition passed away, and there was a post 4 days ago that talks of significant underlying health conditions for the cubs. My heart goes out to the WCCC team - a great loss to them and the region

 

[Zoofan15]

Clouded Leopard Birth - First in Australasia!

From socials:

For anyone who has supported us or visited our sanctuary over the past eight years, you’ll know how much we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with clouded leopards. These magnificent and elusive animals are unlike any other wild cat species.

We’re so proud to announce the arrival of Mirri - whose name is an aboriginal word representing “The Sun”.

This achievement is monumental - Mirri is the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and care of our team!

 

[Steve Robinson]

Clouded Leopard Birth - First in Australasia!

From socials:

For anyone who has supported us or visited our sanctuary over the past eight years, you’ll know how much we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with clouded leopards. These magnificent and elusive animals are unlike any other wild cat species.

We’re so proud to announce the arrival of Mirri - whose name is an aboriginal word representing “The Sun”.

This achievement is monumental - Mirri is the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and care of our team!

Huge congratulations guys!!!

 

[Tiger91]

Clouded Leopard Birth - First in Australasia!

From socials:

For anyone who has supported us or visited our sanctuary over the past eight years, you’ll know how much we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with clouded leopards. These magnificent and elusive animals are unlike any other wild cat species.

We’re so proud to announce the arrival of Mirri - whose name is an aboriginal word representing “The Sun”.

This achievement is monumental - Mirri is the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and care of our team!

Congrats to them! phenomenal work. Hopefully they will have more luck and we can see this species make a return to the region. They are such a fantastic species!.

 

[Zoofan15]

Congrats to them! phenomenal work. Hopefully they will have more luck and we can see this species make a return to the region. They are such a fantastic species!.

They’re currently the only holder in the region, but surely others will be interested in holding them (including Hamilton, who have already expressed an interest).

Parents of Mirri are Mark and Moana:

1.0 Mark (2019) Imported 2022
0.1 Moana (2018) Imported 2022

1.0 Tai (2019) Imported 2020
0.1 Cinta (2019) Imported 2020

0.1 Mirri (2024) Mark x Moana

 

[Jambo]

Clouded Leopard Birth - First in Australasia!

From socials:

For anyone who has supported us or visited our sanctuary over the past eight years, you’ll know how much we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with clouded leopards. These magnificent and elusive animals are unlike any other wild cat species.

We’re so proud to announce the arrival of Mirri - whose name is an aboriginal word representing “The Sun”.

This achievement is monumental - Mirri is the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and care of our team!

Amazing news!

Great to see leopard species overall making a successful return to the region. Hopefully some additional holders come on board with this breeding success, it would be awesome to have this species in some of our main zoos once again.

 

[steveroberts]

Clouded Leopard Birth - First in Australasia!

From socials:

For anyone who has supported us or visited our sanctuary over the past eight years, you’ll know how much we’ve dedicated ourselves to working with clouded leopards. These magnificent and elusive animals are unlike any other wild cat species.

We’re so proud to announce the arrival of Mirri - whose name is an aboriginal word representing “The Sun”.

This achievement is monumental - Mirri is the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia, a testament to the dedication, expertise, and care of our team!

Such amazing news, congratulations team at WCCC and to Moana & Mark for Mirri (lovely name for her).

 

[Tigergal]

Some updates from WCCC via their newsletter:

Mirri’s future and breeding for Mark and Moana
As Mirri approaches three months of age, we've started to look ahead to what her future might hold.

She's incredibly special-not only as the first clouded leopard born in Australia but also as part of a critically important, genetically diverse population in managed care.

The team has been working closely with both the Clouded Leopard EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) and the Clouded Leopard SSP (Species Survival Plan) in the United States to assess the best long-term placement for Mirri within the global breeding program. Early indications suggest that Mirri may head to the United Kingdom later this year to be paired with a young male cub. Introducing unrelated cubs at a young age is crucial for establishing strong bonds and supporting successful future breeding efforts.

If this plan goes ahead, Mirri will likely travel to London before the end of the year-an exciting step as she prepares to play a pivotal role in the global recovery of her species.

While Mirri's journey has been incredible, we are also hopeful that Mark and Moana will breed again this year. They've already proven they can successfully produce cubs, and we're optimistic that we may see successful mating during the winter months. If all goes well, we could expect new cubs around September. Our hope is that, with experience on their side, Mark and Moana will raise their next litter together without intervention.

Cheetah cubs rewilding
The time has almost arrived for Darcie and Ezra to begin their next great adventure-heading back to South Africa. The process is officially in its final stages, and it's all systems go!

Their custom-built transport crates have now been delivered to the centre, and we've started the crucial process of acclimatising them to these unfamiliar surroundings. Getting them comfortable with their crates is a vital step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Darcie and Ezra are rapidly approaching their 12-month milestone-which just so happens to be the perfect age for their journey. This is around the age that cubs would be dispersing from their mother and moving into independence, their confidence and maturity developing so it times in well with their move to South Africa. Around this age, cubs in the wild naturally begin to assert their independence, either venturing out on their own or forming coalitions with siblings.

For Ezra and Darcie, this timing couldn't be better. At 12 months, they've developed the physical skills and natural instincts needed to start their journey.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 12 months since Edie made her journey back to South Africa

Watching her adapt and thrive in the wild has been incredibly rewarding. The rewilding strategies used for Edie have provided valuable insights, and we're optimistic that her story has paved the way for a similarly positive outcome for future cubs.

As we edge closer to their late March/early April departure date, we invite you to come and visit these two! It's your last chance to see Darcie and Ezra before they embark on the journey of a lifetime.

 

[Zoofan15]

Some updates from WCCC via their newsletter:

Mirri’s future and breeding for Mark and Moana
As Mirri approaches three months of age, we've started to look ahead to what her future might hold.

She's incredibly special-not only as the first clouded leopard born in Australia but also as part of a critically important, genetically diverse population in managed care.

The team has been working closely with both the Clouded Leopard EEP (European Endangered Species Programme) and the Clouded Leopard SSP

(Species Survival Plan) in the United States to assess the best long-term placement for Mirri within the global breeding program. Early indications suggest that Mirri may head to the United Kingdom later this year to be paired with a young male cub Introducing unrelated cubs at a young age is crucial for establishing strong bonds and supporting successful future breeding efforts.

If this plan goes ahead, Mirri will likely travel to London before the end of the year-an exciting step as she prepares to play a pivotal role in the global recovery of her species.

While Mirri's journey has been incredible, we are also hopeful that Mark and Moana will breed again this year. They've already proven they can successfully produce cubs, and we're optimistic that we may see successful mating during the winter months. If all goes well, we could expect new cubs around September. Our hope is that, with experience on their side, Mark and Moana will raise their next litter together without intervention.

Cheetah cubs rewilding
The time has almost arrived for Darcie and Ezra to begin their next great adventure-heading back to South Africa. The process is officially in its final stages, and it's all systems go!

Their custom-built transport crates have now been delivered to the centre, and we've started the crucial process of acclimatising them to these unfamiliar surroundings. Getting them comfortable with their crates is a vital step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Darcie and Ezra are rapidly approaching their 12-month milestone-which just so happens to be the perfect age for their journey. This is around the age that cubs would be dispersing from their mother and moving into independence, their confidence and maturity developing so it times in well with their move to South Africa. Around this age, cubs in the wild naturally begin to assert their independence, either venturing out on their own or forming coalitions with siblings.

For Ezra and Darcie, this timing couldn't be better. At 12 months, they've developed the physical skills and natural instincts needed to start their journey.

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 12 months since Edie made her journey back to South Africa

Watching her adapt and thrive in the wild has been incredibly rewarding. The rewilding strategies used for Edie have provided valuable insights, and we're optimistic that her story has paved the way for a similarly positive outcome for future cubs.

As we edge closer to their late March/early April departure date, we invite you to come and visit these two! It's your last chance to see Darcie and Ezra before they embark on the journey of a lifetime.

That’s really exciting that there’s hopes for a potential litter of Clouded leopards at the WWCC in September. It would be great for their breeding success with this species to continue.

Although it’d be a shame for the first Clouded leopard bred in Australia to head overseas so soon, it’s undoubtedly in her best interests. As stated, this species typically requires introduction as juveniles or adolescents in order to effectively form breeding pairs and that’s not something the region can provide for her at this point in time.

 

[Tigergal]

I had a guided tour today of the Wild Cat Conservation Centre, and was lucky enough to get a bonus tour of Mirri the Clouded Leopard cub’s enclosure. We started at Cinta and Tai, the Clouded Leopard siblings. They have a very tall and established enclosure, and due to the wet weather we could just see their little heads up in one of the higher dens. Next we went to Mirri’s enclosure, which is again very grown in and established, and a fantastic size for her. We got to watch her play and simulate hunting, which was incredible to watch and she is clearly very attached to her keepers. We were at her enclosure for about 30 minutes, and she was very active and engaged throughout the whole time.

The next two enclosures were Cheetahs - Blanca in one and Darcie and Ezra the one year old cubs in the other. Darcie and Ezra are both very wary of humans, even after having to be partially human-raised after their mother rejected them after a medical procedure. Blanca on the other hand clearly loves humans and was very happy to see the keeper, rubbing up against the fence. The keeper did mention that the way they manage re-wilding Cheetahs and ones that are staying in human care is very different, which was easy to see with the interactions today.

Next up was Finn the Fishing Cat’s enclosure, but we weren’t able to spot him due to our lunchtime visit. The enclosure is at least 3 times bigger than the equivalent at Taronga Zoo, and has a pond with fish in it. Apparently Finn isn’t interested in the fish, but does predate on frogs in his enclosure. We then saw some Leopard and Aldabra Tortoises, before moving onto the third Clouded Leopard’s enclosure, which houses Mark and Moana. We were only able to see Moana, and the keeper commented on her being a small Clouded Leopard - about 11kgs. We then saw Servals Crunchie and Simba, who were up and out of the rain at the back of their enclosure. The Caracals weren’t on display today, but I was caught up chatting I didn’t ask why - I’d assume they were out on the ‘Savannah’.

Some more notes:
- Mirri will be leaving WCCC when she’s about 9 months old. The keeper said that she may be paired with a cub from a set of twins in the Netherlands, which is currently being mother-raised. They haven’t confirmed the sex of the cubs yet, and the keeper acknowledged that Mirri and her paired leopard may both end up in the UK. It seems clear that Mirri won’t remain in Australia, but they’re not 100% sure where she’s going yet
- Darcie and Ezra are heading to South Africa next week, following in their older sister Edie’s paw prints. Once they’ve quarantined, they’ll be assessed at a facility then it’ll be decided where they’ll be released, based on their genetics etc.
- They’re hoping that Moana and Mark will breed again this breeding season. The keeper reported that Moana was a fantastic mother and doing all the right things, but Mirri was stuck in the birth canal for 15 or so minutes in breech, and due to the heatwave Mirri wasn’t interested in suckling or any other behaviours. After about 6 hours Moana left Mirri unattended in the den to go and cuddle Mark, and the WCCC then intervened to hand-raise her.
- a lot of socials mention the ‘Savannah’ at WCCC, which is a 5 acre paddock that cheetahs, servals and caracals rotate through. Their ‘regular’ enclosures are all well built and modern, with good grown in foliage and lots of climbing and exploring spaces for them all. The keeper said that the cats rotate through their regular exhibits as well, and all the den systems lead out to the Savannah

 

[Zoofan15]

I had a guided tour today of the Wild Cat Conservation Centre, and was lucky enough to get a bonus tour of Mirri the Clouded Leopard cub’s enclosure. We started at Cinta and Tai, the Clouded Leopard siblings. They have a very tall and established enclosure, and due to the wet weather we could just see their little heads up in one of the higher dens. Next we went to Mirri’s enclosure, which is again very grown in and established, and a fantastic size for her. We got to watch her play and simulate hunting, which was incredible to watch and she is clearly very attached to her keepers. We were at her enclosure for about 30 minutes, and she was very active and engaged throughout the whole time.

The next two enclosures were Cheetahs - Blanca in one and Darcie and Ezra the one year old cubs in the other. Darcie and Ezra are both very wary of humans, even after having to be partially human-raised after their mother rejected them after a medical procedure. Blanca on the other hand clearly loves humans and was very happy to see the keeper, rubbing up against the fence. The keeper did mention that the way they manage re-wilding Cheetahs and ones that are staying in human care is very different, which was easy to see with the interactions today.

Next up was Finn the Fishing Cat’s enclosure, but we weren’t able to spot him due to our lunchtime visit. The enclosure is at least 3 times bigger than the equivalent at Taronga Zoo, and has a pond with fish in it. Apparently Finn isn’t interested in the fish, but does predate on frogs in his enclosure. We then saw some Leopard and Aldabra Tortoises, before moving onto the third Clouded Leopard’s enclosure, which houses Mark and Moana. We were only able to see Moana, and the keeper commented on her being a small Clouded Leopard - about 11kgs. We then saw Servals Crunchie and Simba, who were up and out of the rain at the back of their enclosure. The Caracals weren’t on display today, but I was caught up chatting I didn’t ask why - I’d assume they were out on the ‘Savannah’.

Some more notes:
- Mirri will be leaving WCCC when she’s about 9 months old. The keeper said that she may be paired with a cub from a set of twins in the Netherlands, which is currently being mother-raised. They haven’t confirmed the sex of the cubs yet, and the keeper acknowledged that Mirri and her paired leopard may both end up in the UK. It seems clear that Mirri won’t remain in Australia, but they’re not 100% sure where she’s going yet
- Darcie and Ezra are heading to South Africa next week, following in their older sister Edie’s paw prints. Once they’ve quarantined, they’ll be assessed at a facility then it’ll be decided where they’ll be released, based on their genetics etc.
- They’re hoping that Moana and Mark will breed again this breeding season. The keeper reported that Moana was a fantastic mother and doing all the right things, but Mirri was stuck in the birth canal for 15 or so minutes in breech, and due to the heatwave Mirri wasn’t interested in suckling or any other behaviours. After about 6 hours Moana left Mirri unattended in the den to go and cuddle Mark, and the WCCC then intervened to hand-raise her.
- a lot of socials mention the ‘Savannah’ at WCCC, which is a 5 acre paddock that cheetahs, servals and caracals rotate through. Their ‘regular’ enclosures are all well built and modern, with good grown in foliage and lots of climbing and exploring spaces for them all. The keeper said that the cats rotate through their regular exhibits as well, and all the den systems lead out to the Savannah

Thanks for the update @Tigergal.

I too have heard Mirri will be exported to Europe before she’s a year old. It’s a shame to see the region’s first Clouded leopard cub leave so soon, but of course it’s beneficial this species is paired as juveniles or adolescents to negate male aggression; and the reality is, we don’t have the population size to accommodate this. Fingers crossed for a successful litter from Mark and Moana before the year’s out.

It’ll be interesting to see if the WCCC ever import a female Fishing cat to pair with Finn. Hamilton’s females are getting on in years, so they’d need to import from outside the region.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I had a guided tour today of the Wild Cat Conservation Centre, and was lucky enough to get a bonus tour of Mirri the Clouded Leopard cub’s enclosure. We started at Cinta and Tai, the Clouded Leopard siblings. They have a very tall and established enclosure, and due to the wet weather we could just see their little heads up in one of the higher dens. Next we went to Mirri’s enclosure, which is again very grown in and established, and a fantastic size for her. We got to watch her play and simulate hunting, which was incredible to watch and she is clearly very attached to her keepers. We were at her enclosure for about 30 minutes, and she was very active and engaged throughout the whole time.

The next two enclosures were Cheetahs - Blanca in one and Darcie and Ezra the one year old cubs in the other. Darcie and Ezra are both very wary of humans, even after having to be partially human-raised after their mother rejected them after a medical procedure. Blanca on the other hand clearly loves humans and was very happy to see the keeper, rubbing up against the fence. The keeper did mention that the way they manage re-wilding Cheetahs and ones that are staying in human care is very different, which was easy to see with the interactions today.

Next up was Finn the Fishing Cat’s enclosure, but we weren’t able to spot him due to our lunchtime visit. The enclosure is at least 3 times bigger than the equivalent at Taronga Zoo, and has a pond with fish in it. Apparently Finn isn’t interested in the fish, but does predate on frogs in his enclosure. We then saw some Leopard and Aldabra Tortoises, before moving onto the third Clouded Leopard’s enclosure, which houses Mark and Moana. We were only able to see Moana, and the keeper commented on her being a small Clouded Leopard - about 11kgs. We then saw Servals Crunchie and Simba, who were up and out of the rain at the back of their enclosure. The Caracals weren’t on display today, but I was caught up chatting I didn’t ask why - I’d assume they were out on the ‘Savannah’.

Some more notes:
- Mirri will be leaving WCCC when she’s about 9 months old. The keeper said that she may be paired with a cub from a set of twins in the Netherlands, which is currently being mother-raised. They haven’t confirmed the sex of the cubs yet, and the keeper acknowledged that Mirri and her paired leopard may both end up in the UK. It seems clear that Mirri won’t remain in Australia, but they’re not 100% sure where she’s going yet
- Darcie and Ezra are heading to South Africa next week, following in their older sister Edie’s paw prints. Once they’ve quarantined, they’ll be assessed at a facility then it’ll be decided where they’ll be released, based on their genetics etc.
- They’re hoping that Moana and Mark will breed again this breeding season. The keeper reported that Moana was a fantastic mother and doing all the right things, but Mirri was stuck in the birth canal for 15 or so minutes in breech, and due to the heatwave Mirri wasn’t interested in suckling or any other behaviours. After about 6 hours Moana left Mirri unattended in the den to go and cuddle Mark, and the WCCC then intervened to hand-raise her.
- a lot of socials mention the ‘Savannah’ at WCCC, which is a 5 acre paddock that cheetahs, servals and caracals rotate through. Their ‘regular’ enclosures are all well built and modern, with good grown in foliage and lots of climbing and exploring spaces for them all. The keeper said that the cats rotate through their regular exhibits as well, and all the den systems lead out to the Savannah

It is not surprising as I think WCCC is part of the European EEP for clouded leopard and that individuals will be leaving for a zoo in the Netherlands (BTW: it is a private embargo that prevents any further discourse on my part).

 

[Zoofan15]

It is not surprising as I think WCCC is part of the European EEP for clouded leopard and that individuals will be leaving for a zoo in the Netherlands (BTW: it is a private embargo that prevents any further discourse on my part).

This statement (from the import of the facility’s first Clouded leopard) states it’s an international programme:

The cubs are a part of an international breeding program for the vulnerable species. Our centre is the only zoological institution in Australia to be accepted as part of the international conservation program and studbook for Clouded Leopard, due to our high level of expertise and specific focus on wild cats!

Mirri’s parents are US born, so sending her to Europe makes more sense than sending the US a cub from the pair they’ve recently sent us.

 

[Tigergal]

Three cheetah cubs born
We're beyond excited to share some incredible news, three new cheetah cubs have been safely born at the centre!

Arriving on June Ist, these tiny newcomers, two boys and a girl are yet to be named, but one thing's for sure...they've already stolen our hearts. Their birthday will certainly be an easy one to remember, and a special date well celebrate for years to come.

This latest birth is a powerful testament to the way we manage our cheetahs and the strength of our conservation programs. Just like Edie, Ezra, and Darcie, these cubs are being raised with the goal of one day joining our unique rewilding program in South Africa, helping to restore cheetah populations in their natural habitat.

For now, the cubs are tucked safely in the den with mum and will remain off-display for the first few weeks of life.

And an update about Mirri, the clouded leopard cub:
Looking ahead, plans are underway for Miri to transfer to Europe later this year as part of the EAZA Clouded Leopard EEP (Ex-situ Program), a globally coordinated conservation program that supports the long-term survival of the species. We're proud to be the only organisation in Australia working with clouded leopards, and even prouder that our Director, Ben Britton, sits on the EEP species committee helping guide the conservation of clouded leopards worldwide.

Mirri's journey to Europe is likely to happen in October, so if you've been hoping to visit and see her in person, the next couple of months are your last chance before she embarks on this important international chapter.

We’ll continue to provide updates on her progress, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this truly remarkable young cat.


Both updates from the WCCC Newsletter

 

[Zoofan15]

Three cheetah cubs born
We're beyond excited to share some incredible news, three new cheetah cubs have been safely born at the centre!

Arriving on June Ist, these tiny newcomers, two boys and a girl are yet to be named, but one thing's for sure...they've already stolen our hearts. Their birthday will certainly be an easy one to remember, and a special date well celebrate for years to come.

This latest birth is a powerful testament to the way we manage our cheetahs and the strength of our conservation programs. Just like Edie, Ezra, and Darcie, these cubs are being raised with the goal of one day joining our unique rewilding program in South Africa, helping to restore cheetah populations in their natural habitat.

For now, the cubs are tucked safely in the den with mum and will remain off-display for the first few weeks of life.

And an update about Mirri, the clouded leopard cub:
Looking ahead, plans are underway for Miri to transfer to Europe later this year as part of the EAZA Clouded Leopard EEP (Ex-situ Program), a globally coordinated conservation program that supports the long-term survival of the species. We're proud to be the only organisation in Australia working with clouded leopards, and even prouder that our Director, Ben Britton, sits on the EEP species committee helping guide the conservation of clouded leopards worldwide.

Mirri's journey to Europe is likely to happen in October, so if you've been hoping to visit and see her in person, the next couple of months are your last chance before she embarks on this important international chapter.

We’ll continue to provide updates on her progress, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this truly remarkable young cat.


Both updates from the WCCC Newsletter

That’s fantastic to hear that in addition to the three Cheetah already sent to South Africa for rewilding, that the latest litter of three cubs could also be joining them.

It’ll be a shame to lose Australasia’s first Clouded leopard cub from the region via export to Europe, but introducing her to her future mate while sexually immature is the best bet of her forming a successful breeding pair. She’s been housed adjacent to Tai and Cinta, which has hopefully given her some level of socialisation with her species given she’s had no siblings and has not been parent raised.

 

[Zorro]

That’s fantastic to hear that in addition to the three Cheetah already sent to South Africa for rewilding, that the latest litter of three cubs could also be joining them.

It’ll be a shame to lose Australasia’s first Clouded leopard cub from the region via export to Europe, but introducing her to her future mate while sexually immature is the best bet of her forming a successful breeding pair. She’s been housed adjacent to Tai and Cinta, which has hopefully given her some level of socialisation with her species given she’s had no siblings and has not been parent raised.

I would have to question any zoo who hold the only species of its kind in a nation and what is the reason for this and what advantage would it be in doing so also any young are then exported overseas?. As you say @Zoofan15 it's a shame to lose the first born cub when there is a opportunity to establish a regional population!

 

[Jambo]

I would have to question any zoo who hold the only species of its kind in a nation and what is the reason for this and what advantage would it be in doing so also any young are then exported overseas?. As you say @Zoofan15 it's a shame to lose the first born cub when there is a opportunity to establish a regional population!

As the article mentions, they operate out of the EEP - so the decision is being made on that level.

There's no other holders regionally; and I haven't heard of any facilities planning to hold the species.

 

[Zoofan15]

I would have to question any zoo who hold the only species of its kind in a nation and what is the reason for this and what advantage would it be in doing so also any young are then exported overseas?. As you say @Zoofan15 it's a shame to lose the first born cub when there is a opportunity to establish a regional population!

As the article mentions, they operate out of the EEP - so the decision is being made on that level.

There's no other holders regionally; and I haven't heard of any facilities planning to hold the species.

Hamilton Zoo are the only other facility in the region publicly known to have plans to acquire the species and this unfortunately won’t be happening anytime soon.

The WCCC are currently attempting to breed again from Mark and Moana (with hopes for another litter by the end of the year); but in the meantime, sending their daughter overseas is her best chance of being able to contribute to the global captive population. There’s no pre-reproductive male in Australasia she can be paired with and the window to do so will close once she reaches adolescence/young adulthood (due to male/female aggression, pairings are typically made while the cats are juveniles or adolescents). In some cases, pairings of adults can be successful; but in this specific case, she was a single cub and would likely lack the required socials skills for this to be effective.