Nashville Zoo Celebrates 50th Clouded Leopard Birth

The zoo's successful breeding program has contributed to the conservation of this vulnerable species.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly structured abstract painting in muted greens, browns, and blues, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex biological forces enabling the successful breeding of clouded leopards at the Nashville Zoo.The Nashville Zoo's pioneering clouded leopard breeding program has produced 50 cubs, a remarkable achievement in the conservation of this elusive and vulnerable species.Today in Nashville

The Nashville Zoo welcomed a new female clouded leopard cub last month, marking the 50th clouded leopard born at the zoo since 1991. This is the first clouded leopard born at an AZA-accredited zoo this year and the fourth cub born to the zoo's breeding pair, Jewels and Bruce.

Why it matters

Clouded leopards are considered vulnerable to extinction due to threats like deforestation, poaching, and the pet trade. The Nashville Zoo's breeding program is part of critical conservation efforts to protect this elusive and rare cat species.

The details

The new cub, currently the size of a large pineapple and weighing just over 2 pounds, can be viewed through the nursery windows at the zoo's HCA Healthcare Veterinary Center. The zoo's successful breeding program is partially attributed to hand-rearing the cubs, which helps prevent parental neglect and allows the cubs to acclimate to human interaction in an exhibit environment.

  • The cub was born on March 18, 2026.
  • Last year, the zoo celebrated the birth of one clouded leopard cub and the acquisition of three others.

The players

Nashville Zoo

A zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that has been breeding clouded leopards for the past 35 years as part of conservation efforts.

Jewels and Bruce

The breeding pair of clouded leopards at the Nashville Zoo, who have now produced four cubs.

Heather Schwartz

The director of veterinary services at the Nashville Zoo.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A successful birth of this rare species is a huge accomplishment in our conservation efforts and a testament to the work we have been doing with clouded leopards for the last 35 years.”

— Heather Schwartz, Director of Veterinary Services, Nashville Zoo

What’s next

The Nashville Zoo plans to continue raising awareness about the endangered status of clouded leopards and contributing to the population growth of this important species.

The takeaway

The Nashville Zoo's successful clouded leopard breeding program, which has now produced 50 cubs, is a significant contribution to the conservation of this vulnerable cat species and demonstrates the importance of zoos in protecting endangered wildlife.