The Denver Zoo had a 13-year-old female clouded leopard named Lisu, who was euthanized on April 12, 2024, after a significant decline in her health over the last two weeks. Lisu was born at the Nashville Zoo on March 19, 2011, and spent most of her life at the Denver Zoo, where she was known for her affectionate personality and special bonds with her care team and visitors.
Habitat and Enclosure of the Denver Zoo Clouded Leopard
The clouded leopard enclosure at the Denver Zoo is part of the Toyota Elephant Passage exhibit. The habitat is designed to mimic the natural environment of clouded leopards, with features such as hollow logs and trees for the leopards to lounge in. The enclosure provides ample space for the clouded leopards to roam, climb, and exhibit their natural behaviors.
The enclosure is equipped with various enrichment items, such as puzzle feeders and scent trails, to stimulate the leopards’ natural curiosity and hunting instincts. The habitat also includes a pool for the leopards to cool off and engage in water-related activities.
Conservation Efforts for the Denver Zoo Clouded Leopard
Denver Zoo is actively involved in various conservation efforts, both locally and globally, to protect the clouded leopard and its natural habitat.
International Conservation Projects
The Denver Zoo supports international conservation projects in Laos, where they collaborate with local partners to conduct biodiversity research and monitoring, raise conservation awareness, and combat poaching activities that threaten the clouded leopard and other endangered species.
Sustainability Initiatives
In addition to its conservation work, the Denver Zoo is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The zoo aims to reduce its water consumption by 50% by 2025, demonstrating its dedication to minimizing its ecological footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
Breeding Programs for the Denver Zoo Clouded Leopard
While Lisu, the Denver Zoo’s clouded leopard, gave birth to two cubs during her time at the zoo, there is currently no publicly available information on active breeding programs for clouded leopards at the Denver Zoo.
Clouded leopards are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, and successful breeding programs require specialized expertise and dedicated resources. The Denver Zoo may be involved in such efforts, but details are not readily available to the public.
Visiting the Denver Zoo Clouded Leopard
If you’re planning a visit to the Denver Zoo to see the clouded leopards, here are some key details to keep in mind:
Visitor Information
- Address: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
- Phone Number: 720-337-1400
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (daily)
- Admission: Varies by age and membership status (check the zoo’s website for details)
Viewing the Clouded Leopards
The clouded leopard exhibit is located within the Toyota Elephant Passage, which is one of the zoo’s most popular and immersive exhibits. Visitors can observe the leopards in their naturalistic habitat, which includes elevated platforms, dense vegetation, and water features.
It’s important to note that clouded leopards are solitary and elusive animals, so they may not always be visible during your visit. However, the zoo’s dedicated care team works hard to ensure the leopards’ well-being and provide opportunities for visitors to learn about these fascinating felines.
Conclusion
The Denver Zoo’s clouded leopard, Lisu, was a beloved member of the zoo’s animal family, and her passing is a significant loss for the zoo and its visitors. However, the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts and commitment to sustainability demonstrate its dedication to protecting the clouded leopard and its natural habitat.
As a zoo touring enthusiast, visiting the Denver Zoo’s clouded leopard exhibit can be a unique and educational experience, allowing you to learn about these elusive and endangered animals and the important work being done to ensure their survival.
References
- https://kdvr.com/news/local/denver-zoos-13-year-old-clouded-leopard-euthanized-after-health-decline/
- https://www.9news.com/article/life/animals/denver-zoo-clouded-leopard-dies/73-5a297b34-6786-48a6-977b-201291ba4711
- https://www.denverpost.com/2024/04/12/denver-zoo-clouded-leopard-euthanized-dies-lisu/
- https://denverzoo.org/open-spaces/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlUJRauORC8