Clouded leopard cub dies of anaemia at Sepahijala Zoo

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, October 8, 2025

Conservation efforts at Sepahijala Zoo suffered a setback after a hand-reared clouded leopard cub died of anaemia on September 26. The cub was one of two clouded leopards hand-reared by biologists as part of efforts to conserve the endangered species.

Born in 2022, both cubs were separated from their biological parents for a few months and successfully hand-reared—a milestone hailed nationally as India’s first instance of successful clouded leopard hand-rearing.

Sepahijala Zoo Director Siddhartha Debbarma said that while both cubs were initially healthy, one recently showed signs of weakness. Medical tests revealed it was suffering from anaemia. Despite efforts by the zoo’s veterinary team, the cub could not be saved.

Debbarma explained that the cub was genetically weak, noting that breeding among closely related animals increases the risk of such conditions. He emphasised that the zoo’s Conservation Breeding Centre aims to maintain healthy populations of endangered species for eventual release into the wild.

Addressing allegations of mismanagement, Debbarma clarified that qualified veterinarians prepare the diet charts for all animals, and food distribution is strictly monitored. “There is no room for mismanagement in the process,” he said.

He also highlighted the zoo’s achievements, stating that Sepahijala has been nationally recognised for high birth rates among animals and successful conservation efforts, underscoring that the loss of one cub does not overshadow ongoing successes in wildlife breeding and preservation.

more news...