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 This
project is a collaboration between the Khao Kheow Open Zoo, The
Zoological Parks Organization of Thailand, Nashville Zoo, and
the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. This project is fully
endorsed by both the Clouded Leopard and Fishing Cat SSP's (Species
Survial Programs) in addition to the Felid TAG (Taxon Advisory
Group).
The project is an ex-situ effort to improve breeding success
for clouded leopards and fishing cats in Thailand zoos. Animals
already in the Thai zoos have been evaluated for participation
in this program. An off-exhibit breeding facility has been designated
for use as the primary headquarters for the project. Additional
space and improvement to current exhibits in the participating
zoos is underway. There is an MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) in
place for a three-year commitment to the project with the possibility
of an additional three years.
 A
key component of the project is an on-site American animal manager
with extensive experience in clouded leopard breeding, nutrition
and management to oversee the project and implement improvements.
Funding for this project goes toward the costs of improvements
to housing for the cats. Additionally it provides a salary for
a Thai keeper, and provides training to Thai keeper staff in
husbandry and breeding techniques, and data collection for reproductive
and management evaluation. The benefits of improved management
of these two felid species may also provide the SSP's the opportunity
to acquire additional founder animals for our North American
captive populations. Several clouded leopard kittens have already
been born into the program to date.
The Minnesota Zoo’s Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program
awarded the Thailand Clouded Leopard and Fishing Cat Conservation
Project $2500 in 2003 and 2004, and $2300 in 2005, for a total
of $7300
for its ex situ work
researching the breeding of captive clouded leopards and fishing
cats in Thailand.
.
For more information, visit: http://www.cloudedleopard.org/thailand.htm
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