:quality(75)){kind=spacer}
Eerste nevelpanter gearriveerd in gloednieuw verblijf ZooParc Overloon
The first of two announced clouded leopards has arrived at ZooParc Overloon. The 10-year-old female has moved into the brand new enclosure, which was specially designed to mimic the natural habitat of this fragile species.
The female clouded leopard comes from a zoo in Sweden. The move comes as part of the European Management Programme (EEP). In fact, clouded leopards are on the Red List of conservation organisation IUCN in the ‘vulnerable’ category. Head of animal care Steven van den Heuvel: ‘This is why it is important for European zoos to work together, in order to contribute to the survival of this special species. Moreover, you don't see the clouded leopard in many European zoos, so it is extra special that visitors can see this animal with us.’
The move has gone well, according to Van den Heuvel. ‘It is going fine, we are giving her time to settle down. From the weekend she will most probably be on display for visitors.’
New enclosure
Months of construction have gone into the new cloud leopard enclosure, which is located in expedition area Jangalee. This area is dominated by Southeast Asia. The enclosure consists of two spacious aviaries of about 300 m2 each and responds to the natural needs of the medium-sized felines. Van den Heuvel: ‘Clouded leopards are shy animals that like to seek shelter. This is why we have created all kinds of hiding places where they can rest, both indoors and outdoors. There are also several tall trees for them to climb. In this way, we offer the animals a lot of diversity and challenge.’
Threats in the wild
Spray leopards are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, but their habitat is seriously threatened by deforestation and human activities. ‘Due to forest clearing and infrastructure development, their habitat is becoming increasingly fragmented,’ said Van den Heuvel. ‘This limits their access to food and may cause the population to decline. Poaching is also a threat.’ ZooParc and the Wildlife Foundation are therefore raising money this year for, among other things, a conservation project for clouded leopards in the wild.
General manager Roel Huibers: ‘Soon, a second female clouded leopard will also arrive. And if all goes well, we might welcome a male in the future as part of the management programme. So we are contributing to the survival of this beautiful species in various ways.’