K2: Clouded Leopards
Posted at 9:00 am April 23, 2007 by Maureen O. Duryee
K2 is the abbreviated spelling we use to represent our clouded leopard sisters, Kya and Kilat, when we list them on the show board for our Wild Ones show lineup. But don’t let the shortened spelling fool you, they are exceptionally important animals in our collection at the San Diego Zoo. A census taken in April 2003 states there are only 162 clouded leopards in 54 institutions worldwide. Needless to say, this species of cat is endangered. But even more impressive is the fact that just a handful of clouded leopards are known to be in shows and educational presentations worldwide.
Taking care of our clouded leopards requires establishing daily routines they can predict. Setting up a schedule they can follow allows them to be comfortable here. We know this by observing their behavior, watching their relaxed attitude and the constant chuffing, a greeting they extend to us on a daily basis. We have also set up their pens to include climbing structures, a great way for these treetop dwelling cats to exercise. We often find them chasing each other in a sort of “tag, you’re it” type of game.
From December through March, clouded leopards traditionally go into their breeding cycle. Females experience estrus monthly and will urinate frequently, leaving breeding information for males to find. Females also enjoy decorating themselves with fragrances during this period of time as well. Kya and Kilat will interact with plants on walks or scented lotions spread on towels in their pens (pictured above). Recently a donor gave our area large quantities of exotic smelling lotions so that we would be able to keep K2 lapped up in lotion through the entire breeding season. A little bit of heaven for our clouded girls!
Maureen O. Duryee is an animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo’s Hunte Amphitheater.
Read about another set of clouded leopard sisters.
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April 23rd, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Thanks, Maureen. How many breeding male clouded leopards do you have? How often are they in contact with the females? How old are the girls? If they are going through the breeding season with a variety of lotions, it must mean they are of breeding age?
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:24 pm
I’m continually fascinated hearing about how certain animals like to decorate themselves with scents - similar to us humans with soaps, lotions and perfumes - in order to attract a mate. It’s so interesting. The girls are so beautiful - I’m hoping you have an couple of handsome males to introduce them to. Thanks for the update - it was informative as usual.