The Houston Zoo welcomes two new members to its family, and we think you'll agree: They are purr-fectly adorable.
Meet Miss Suksn and Master Tarak, 7-month-old clouded leopard cubs. Suksn came to Houston from the Point Defiance Zoo in Washington state, while Tarak was born at the Nashville Zoo. Houston Zoo's carnivore supervisor Sarah Riger is happy to report they took to each other almost immediately.
"We were very excited to see that they like each other since they are a future breeding pair," zoo officials said in a statement.
Master Tarak in his new home at the Houston Zoo
Clouded leopards, like all spotted cats, are critically endangered. Found in the dense rain forest of Southeast Asia, clouded leopards spend most of their time up in the canopy.
Tarak relaxing . . . and showing us his fabulous tail
Because they are shy, nocturnal and well-camouflaged, these cats have proven to be a challenge to study.
Suksn blending in with the Houston Zoo environs
Camera traps are an effective way of documenting the presence of these cats.
Tarak, trying to look ferocious
The motion-activated cameras are set along trails used by prey animals and can sometimes catch images of the cats.
Tarak again, and this time, acting his playful self
"Suskn was being a little bit camera shy that morning," zoo photographer Stephanie Adams said of the photo shoot on Wednesday.
But not Tarak, as shown here, posing and smiling for the camera.
Want to help conserve clouded leopards in the wild? Attend a fundraiser for clouded leopard conservation and Climbing for Leopards on Nov. 7 at Texas Rock Gym. Find out more on the Houston Zoo's Climbing for Clouded Leopards webpage.
