Photo: Franklin Park Zoo New England
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new animal joined the Franklin Park Zoo family on Thursday.
Jye, the 6-year-old male clouded leopard, arrived from Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey.
He is the first clouded leopard to reside in Franklin Park Zoo.
The Tropical Forest Pavilion habitat has been Jye's home since arriving, and he has been closely monitored and taken care of by their animal control team. The habitat was renovated in preparation for him with climbing trees, a pool and glass windows for viewing.
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President and CEO of Zoo New England John Linehan shared his excitement about Jye's arrival.
"We are thrilled to introduce guests to Jye and are excited to share his story with our visitors," said John Linehan. "Clouded leopards are beautiful cats native to tropical forests in Asia, and with Jye’s arrival, we can further connect guests to the incredible biodiversity of our planet. We are eager for our visitors to learn more about Jye and how they can support the conservation of clouded leopards.”
Clouded leopards are considered a vulnerable species which, according to The International Union for Conservation of Nature, means it's "considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild." due to habitat loss and poaching.
To ensure Jye's safety, the zoo is participating in the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan. Species Survival Plans allow for enhanced conservation to ensure the safety of vulnerable species like the clouded leopard.
Photo: Franklin Park Zoo New England
Photo: Franklin Park Zoo New England