Clouded leopard enclosure inaugurated at Nagaland Zoological Park

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP), Rangapahar, inaugurated its newly established clouded leopard enclosure on November 4, marking a significant step towards strengthening wildlife conservation and promoting public awareness about the elusive wild cat species in Nagaland.

The enclosure was formally inaugurated by Vedpal Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, in the presence of Dr. Jim Sanderson, Director of the Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation (SWCCF), USA; Enyiwekha Wezah, Director of Nagaland Zoological Park; Dr. Giridhar Malla, founder of the Eastern Himalayas Marbled Cat Project (EHMCP); and members of the EHMCP team.

Dr. C Zupeni Tsanglai, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur Division, also played an instrumental role in facilitating and supporting the initiative, reflecting the Forest department's continued commitment to wildlife conservation in the state, stated a press release issued by Director, NZP.

A special highlight of the inauguration ceremony was the naming of the clouded leopards housed at the park, providing them with individual identities that visitors can associate with while learning more about the species.

The newly established enclosure is expected to strengthen the zoo's wildlife conservation and public education initiatives.

Clouded leopards, among the most elusive and lesser-known wild cat species of the Eastern Himalayas, face growing conservation challenges, underscoring the need for greater public awareness and appreciation of their ecological importance.

Speaking on the occasion, Director of Nagaland Zoological Park, Enyiwekha Wezah, invited the public to visit the zoo and see the clouded leopards, while encouraging people to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Also read: Tokhü Emong promotes love and unity — Odyuo