ZooParc Overloon builds enclosure for new animal species: clouded leopards

ZooParc Overloon will soon have a new species on display: the clouded leopard. This will further expand the expedition area Jangalee. Preparatory work has begun and construction of the new enclosure will start at the end of March.

The arrival of the clouded leopards fits ZooParc Overloon's desire to contribute to the conservation of endangered species. Head zookeeper Steven van den Heuvel says, "We feel it is important to contribute to a healthy reserve population of an endangered or vulnerable species through an existing European Management Program (EEP)."

The clouded leopards live in the wild in Southeast Asia, where the species is vulnerable. Van den Heuvel: "Loss of habitat is the biggest threat to the species. The population is growing very fast in countries like Cambodia and Malaysia. The forests are also being cut down and palm oil plantations are coming in their place. It is then made impossible for the clouded leopards to mate, because the habitat becomes fragmented." The clouded leopards, like many felines, live solitary lives and have a large territory. The animals seek each other out only to reproduce.

Expansion
The expansion of the Jangalee expedition area also plays a large role in ZooParc's wishes. General manager Roel Huibers: "In the expedition areas we want to take visitors on a journey along different continents. In Jangalee, animals from Southeast Asia are central and the desire to expand this part had been there for a while. Fantastic that we will be telling the story of this vulnerable species!"

Van den Heuvel: "And so the choice fell on the clouded leopards. Soon we may welcome two females! In the future we hope to welcome a male and thus contribute to the management program."

Future
To make room for the clouded leopards, the crab-eating raccoons are going to move internally. The animals will soon get another enclosure in the area that better suits the species, namely in Madidi. This expedition area focuses on the nature of South America.

"The ultimate goal is to transform the old Amazon region into the Asian region of Jangalee in the coming years. The arrival of the clouded leopards is the first step in this!" said Huibers.

Construction work is expected to be completed before the summer vacation. Not much later, the nebulae will arrive in Overloon.

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