Two clouded leopard babies were born at the National zoo's Conservation and Research Center.
The cubs are the first of their kind to be born at the zoo in 16 years, and hand-raising is crucial to ensure their survival. Parents Hannibal and Jao Chu were imported from Thailand last year.
The gestation period for clouded leopards is about 86 to 93 days. The average litter size for clouded leopards is two to five cubs. Clouded leopard cubs weigh about half a pound when born.
These cats are native to Southeast Asia and parts of China in a habitat that ranges from dense tropical evergreen forests to drier forests if there is suitable prey.
They are the smallest of the big cats, weighing 30 to 50 pounds and measuring about five feet long. Their short legs, large paws, and long tail, which accounts for half their length, help them balance on small branches, and their flexible ankles allow them to run down trees headfirst.
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Clouded Leopard Birth at National Zoo
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