Hopefully they can build up a population!, they are arguably one of the most aesthetic of the mid sized cat species.
Wild Cat Conservation Centre News
- Thread starter Riley
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Hopefully they can build up a population!, they are arguably one of the most aesthetic of the mid sized cat species.
Updates from WCCC Newsletter
Update on Clouded leopard Mirri:
At present, there are no other Australian institutions able to meet the complex husbandry and management needs of the species, which meant the best opportunity for Mirri’s future was abroad. Her parents, Mark and Moana, originally came from the United States as part of the SSP, and Mirri’s move to Europe represents an incredible chance to blend valuable American genetics into the European population.
Mirri was one of only two clouded leopard cubs born in captivity worldwide in 2024, making her genetically significant for the global breeding effort. At her age, it’s crucial she is introduced to a suitable young male, and Howletts is perfectly placed to help her do just that.
In the coming months, a young male from the Netherlands will be joining Mirri in the UK, with hopes the pair will form a new breeding partnership for the European program. Howletts has a long and successful history with the species, and this next chapter could help rejuvenate their breeding efforts. We are also exploring future collaborations with the Aspinall Foundation (our partners in the Cheetah Rewilding Project) to assess the potential for clouded leopard rewilding — something never before achieved globally. While these cats are far more elusive and difficult to monitor than cheetahs, the idea of seeing Mirri’s future offspring return to the forests of Asia is a powerful vision.
Update on Cheetah Edie:
It was great to recently visit Mziki in South Africa to see Edie and her progress first-hand.
During the visit, Edie showed excellent condition and natural hunting behaviour, including taking down a male ostrich, which is a significant achievement for a single female cheetah. Her success highlights that her instincts and physical capabilities are fully intact.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for male cheetahs to be introduced to Mziki over the coming months to hopefully produce cubs. This will form the next stage of the program, with the potential for her to contribute cubs to South Africa’s broader metapopulation management.
Update on Cheetah cubs:
Our three cheetah cubs Enzi, Davu and Eshe, have now reached five months of age and are only a few weeks away from beginning the early stages of the rewilding process here at the Centre.
Last month, the cubs and their mother Emmy moved down to one of our habitats closest to the savanna. This new environment allows them to start accessing larger, more natural spaces, an important step in preparing for their eventual return to Africa.
Although still young, the next 12 months will be a formative time. Around 14 months of age, the cubs will be ready for relocation to Africa. The two males are expected to move to one reserve, while their sister will likely join another. Helping to diversify genetics within South Africa’s managed cheetah metapopulation.
Update on Clouded leopard Mirri:
At present, there are no other Australian institutions able to meet the complex husbandry and management needs of the species, which meant the best opportunity for Mirri’s future was abroad. Her parents, Mark and Moana, originally came from the United States as part of the SSP, and Mirri’s move to Europe represents an incredible chance to blend valuable American genetics into the European population.
Mirri was one of only two clouded leopard cubs born in captivity worldwide in 2024, making her genetically significant for the global breeding effort. At her age, it’s crucial she is introduced to a suitable young male, and Howletts is perfectly placed to help her do just that.
In the coming months, a young male from the Netherlands will be joining Mirri in the UK, with hopes the pair will form a new breeding partnership for the European program. Howletts has a long and successful history with the species, and this next chapter could help rejuvenate their breeding efforts. We are also exploring future collaborations with the Aspinall Foundation (our partners in the Cheetah Rewilding Project) to assess the potential for clouded leopard rewilding — something never before achieved globally. While these cats are far more elusive and difficult to monitor than cheetahs, the idea of seeing Mirri’s future offspring return to the forests of Asia is a powerful vision.
Update on Cheetah Edie:
It was great to recently visit Mziki in South Africa to see Edie and her progress first-hand.
During the visit, Edie showed excellent condition and natural hunting behaviour, including taking down a male ostrich, which is a significant achievement for a single female cheetah. Her success highlights that her instincts and physical capabilities are fully intact.
Looking ahead, plans are underway for male cheetahs to be introduced to Mziki over the coming months to hopefully produce cubs. This will form the next stage of the program, with the potential for her to contribute cubs to South Africa’s broader metapopulation management.
Update on Cheetah cubs:
Our three cheetah cubs Enzi, Davu and Eshe, have now reached five months of age and are only a few weeks away from beginning the early stages of the rewilding process here at the Centre.
Last month, the cubs and their mother Emmy moved down to one of our habitats closest to the savanna. This new environment allows them to start accessing larger, more natural spaces, an important step in preparing for their eventual return to Africa.
Although still young, the next 12 months will be a formative time. Around 14 months of age, the cubs will be ready for relocation to Africa. The two males are expected to move to one reserve, while their sister will likely join another. Helping to diversify genetics within South Africa’s managed cheetah metapopulation.
I find that a bold statement in the first paragraph and not one I would agree with!
It is a bold statement, but not entirely untrue. No other Australian institute (that I am aware of, I could be wrong). Has invested or is willing to invest at this point in keeping them. Even the big players where money is not an issue to a degree, have not invested in wanting to keep them or have enclosures that would suit them. It's a good selling point even if the only truth to the matter is no other institue has decided to build housing as of yet.
Hopefully we will see more of them in the future in more Aussie zoo's.
I believe your assumption is wrong there is likely to be at least two other zoos that would acquire them if they could actually obtain them one cannot just assume this is the case
It would've been far more accurate to highlight this as a breeding recommendation.
Unsure as to why they went as far as stating that - perhaps in reference to there being no other designated holding facilities regionally, but as you've mentioned, that's not due to lack of interest. Just a weird way of putting it honestly.
I see the point you are making but I find it odd if not even a bit strange that after all this time since some of the more resent imports arrived here that no other zoo/s have managed to acquire any to form another pair within the region, something is not adding up here
I see the point you are making but I find it odd if not even a bit strange that after all this time since some of the more resent imports arrived here that no other zoo/s have managed to acquire any to form another pair within the region, something is not adding up here
A better way for them to have stated it would have been that no Australian facility is in a position to accomodate a breeding pair here and now (i.e have a suitable enclosure ready).
Mirri is 11 months old and will be paired with a male a few months her junior in the near future. Pairings are most successful when made prior to the cats reaching sexual maturity circa 24 months, so a facility was needed ASAP to receive her.
Long term, I share everyone’s hopes other Australasian facilities will come on board. Some of privately owned zoos such as Darling Downs Zoo and Mogo Wildlife Park would surely excel with this species.
Osedax
Well-Known Member
I have noticed that this zoo, I mean conservation centre, can be quite anti-zoo at times.
Wisp O' Mist
Well-Known Member
I just find it weird that their focus is on raising exotic species of cat in Australia.
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I assume the decision was based on there being a number of zoological facilities already within NSW when they established i.e. they decided to focus on felids as a point of difference. Exotic felids are also immensely popular with the general public.
The director (Ben Britton) clearly has a passion for felids. He was formerly the director of Wild Animal Encounters and previously owned three African lions (one of which, Mal, now lives at Darling Downs Zoo).
It seems the WCCC has a strong interest in rewilding, with felids (especially Cheetah) being one of the more viable options for rewilding exotics; compared to species that are a much greater investment of time and resources to rewild such as Perth’s Sumatran orangutans).
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It's interesting that they don't have any of the bigger species of cats in the collection!
Osedax
Well-Known Member
I have heard Ben Britton interviewed a few times, and he has always said that the centre would focus on the smaller cats, no Pantherids. Right from the beginning, Serval, Caracal, Cheetah, Fishing Cat and Clouded Leopard were always the five cat species that would be kept at the centre.
I assume it’s because the species of felid they already hold become stressed when kept in close proximity to big cats.
The property is only 10ha and keeping Cheetah outside the vicinity of lions is one of the many recommendations for breeding them. Orana Wildlife Park (which is 80ha) houses Cheetah and African lion on the opposite sides of the park.
Caracal, Serval, Fishing cat and Clouded leopard would similarly breed poorly if housed adjacent to lions, tigers etc.
I was told by someone who was working there a number of years ago that they don't have an interest in the larger species
That is good news then, hopefully we will see more holders soon.