A hand-reared clouded leopard cub at Tripura’s Sepahijala Zoo has died of anaemia, marking a setback for India’s clouded leopard conservation efforts. Zoo authorities cite genetic weakness but affirm ongoing success in breeding endangered species.
In a major setback to the conservation efforts of one of India’s most endangered big cats, a hand-reared clouded leopard cub died of anaemia at the Sepahijala Zoological Park in Tripura on September 26. The deceased cub was one of the two clouded leopard siblings that had been hand-reared by biologists in what was celebrated as a national milestone — the first successful instance of hand-rearing clouded leopards in India.
According to the zoo authorities, both cubs were born in 2022 and were separated from their biological mother shortly after birth to ensure better survival chances under human care. The pair had grown well under constant supervision, raising hope for the survival of this elusive and threatened species in captivity. Their success was widely hailed by wildlife conservationists across the country as a promising model for species preservation.
However, the recent loss of one cub has cast a shadow over the conservation breeding programme. “Both the cubs were fit. But recently, we noticed one of them showing symptoms of weakness. When medical tests were conducted, we found it was suffering from anaemia. Our doctors made all possible efforts to save the animal, but unfortunately, it did not survive,” said Siddhartha Debbarma, Director of Sepahijala Zoo.
Debbarma further explained that the cub’s health complications were likely genetic in nature. “When breeding occurs between genetically close animals, the risk of hereditary diseases and weaknesses increases. The cub was genetically weak, which made it more vulnerable,” he said.
The director also elaborated on the role and importance of the Conservation Breeding Centre, a specialised unit within the zoo dedicated to breeding endangered species such as the clouded leopard. “Our objective is to build and maintain sustainable populations of endangered animals through captive breeding so that, in the future, some individuals may be reintroduced into the wild,” Debbarma explained.
The death of the cub has prompted renewed discussion among wildlife experts about the genetic diversity of captive breeding populations in zoos. Inbreeding — mating between genetically similar individuals — can cause a decline in health and reproductive fitness, making the species more susceptible to diseases and premature deaths. Conservationists often recommend maintaining a national or global genetic registry to avoid such risks.
Responding to allegations of mismanagement and poor diet quality in the zoo, Debbarma firmly dismissed such claims. “We have qualified veterinary doctors who prepare specific diet charts for each animal species. Based on their professional recommendations, we procure and distribute food across all enclosures. There is no room for negligence or mismanagement in the feeding process,” he clarified.
Despite the unfortunate death, the Sepahijala Zoo continues to hold a strong reputation for its conservation record. The director emphasized that alongside such losses, there have also been several successful births of endangered species under their care. “It is not that animals are only dying in our zoo. We have also achieved national recognition for our breeding and conservation efforts. Our birth rates of various species remain among the highest in the country,” Debbarma added.
The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized wild cat native to Southeast Asia and the northeastern states of India. Known for its striking cloud-like coat patterns and secretive nature, the species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, poaching, and declining genetic diversity. Tripura, along with neighboring states like Assam and Mizoram, plays a critical role in conserving the species in the wild.
| Also Read: Tripura Shock: Woman’s body found in bag, husband held in murder case |
The Sepahijala Zoological Park, which serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and a research hub, has been a central part of Tripura’s biodiversity conservation initiatives. While the recent death marks a setback, the zoo’s continued efforts in breeding, research, and animal care remain an essential pillar in preserving endangered wildlife in the northeastern region.
