The Sacramento Zoo partners with the Clouded Leopard Working Group to provide funding for their important conservation work. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Zoo

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Sacramento Zoo announced the arrival of two clouded leopards, Serai and Rajasi, on April 17.

The pair is settling in and can be spotted in their new habitat next to the capybaras at the Big Cat Row exhibit. In the next few weeks, they will alternate time in their habitat, getting some solo time to learn the new space.

Clouded leopards cannot roar like a large cat but they can make a “purr” sound, similar to (but not exactly like) a small cat. They have the longest tail and longest canine teeth in relation to their body size of any cat species. They have special ankle bones that allow them to rotate their ankles backward, allowing them to climb headfirst down a tree and even hang on upside down to the underside of a branch.

Globally, populations are declining, mostly due to habitat loss. Unfortunately, clouded leopards are also still hunted and killed for their unique pelts and they are occasionally killed when caught in snares.

The Sacramento Zoo announces the arrival of two clouded leopards, Serai and Rajasi. The pair is settling in and can be spotted in their new habitat next to the capybaras at the Big Cat Row exhibit. Photo courtesy of Sacramento Zoo

The Sacramento Zoo partners with the Clouded Leopard Working Group to provide funding for their important conservation work. Conservation efforts for the clouded leopard are focused on education for the human communities that live in their region, providing resources that allow humans to coexist with these cats and protecting the habitat of the clouded leopard so that it cannot be destroyed.

The Sacramento Zoo is home to more than 300 native, rare and endangered animals and is one of more than 200 accredited institutions of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo inspires conservation awareness and action through exceptional animal care, education and recreation, and it welcomes an average of 500,000 visitors a year.

The zoo is at 3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento. For more information, go online to saczoo.org, email [email protected] or call 916-808-5888.