International Clouded Leopard Day (ICLD) is a day of international awareness and an attempt to increase the profile of Clouded leopards both in captivity and in the wild. Organizers of ICLD are Lauren Amos and Dan Kemp, two carnivore keepers from Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent, who work with this shy and elusive species on a daily basis.
ICLD at the park included talks, tours, and activities for all ages but the day didn’t just exist in Kent, this day of celebration reached zoos in the USA and Asia.
A clouded Leopard is a beautiful beast with golden eyes and furry golden skin that’s akin to a Cheetah. The Clouded Leopard a.k.a “modern-day-saber-tooth because it has the largest canines in proportion to the body size with a bite force at the canine tip of 544.3 newtons.
A Clouded Leopard much like other animal species is playing its part in preserving the ecological system whether this is through managing prey-based animal numbers, ensuring seed dispersal, looking after grasslands, or simply by maintaining a healthy genetic diversity that ensures the survival of any given species.
The juggernaut that is humankind continues to overwhelm and overpower nature at a pace that is both relentless and insatiable. We become immune to the warnings of those who foretell us of the loss of species, forests, and ocean life.
The hope is that in some small way raising the awareness of the plight of the Clouded leopard may somehow help this most beautiful of cats in the wild and provide us with a greater understanding of its needs.
2 Uncommon Facts About The Clouded Leopard
- It is estimated that less than 10,000 mature clouded leopards remain in the wild.
- Pumas and Clouded Leopards are big cats and although it’s uncommon can kill a human if given a chance.
INTERNATIONAL CLOUDED LEOPARD DAY HISTORY
Howlett’s Wild Animal Park founded International Clouded Leopard Day in 2018 to raise awareness about the Clouded leopard. The organization studies and supports the conservation and preservation of endangered species around the world.
How about watching their documentary on the International Clouded Leopard Day to celebrate it the proper way.
