Franklin Park Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of a new furry face that guests can now see inside of the Tropical Forest Pavilion – a clouded leopard.

Jye, a 6-year-old male clouded leopard, can be seen exploring his new home, which was renovated in preparation of his arrival with naturalistic trees for climbing, a new pool and glass viewing windows. All of the renovations were generously made possible by private supporters.

Since arriving recently from Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, New Jersey, Jye has been settling into his new habitat while the Tropical Forest’s animal care team closely monitors him. Jye’s arrival marks the first time a clouded leopard has made its home at Franklin Park Zoo.

"We are thrilled to introduce guests to Jye and are excited to share his story with our visitors," said John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England. "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 have a striking visual appearance, with gorgeous coats featuring beautiful coloration and large spotted patterns. These solitary carnivores are nocturnal hunters, and can descend trees vertically head first as they position themselves to chase after prey like ground squirrels and hog deer. Clouded leopards are known as the “modern saber-tooth,” as they have the largest canine teeth relative to their body size of any cat. These animals are classified as a vulnerable species, and face severe threats like habitat loss and poaching.

Zoo New England’s Franklin Park Zoo participates in the Clouded Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSPs are cooperative, inter-zoo programs coordinated nationally through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). SSPs help to ensure the survival of selected species in zoos and aquariums, most of which are threatened or endangered, and enhance conservation of these species in the wild.