There is good news coming from the world of endangered species. Last spring, two rare Southeast Asian clouded leopards were born at the Jardin des Plantes park in Paris, France.

It’s July and the zoo is happy to introduce Pati and Jaya.

The cubs were born on May 14th, but official birth announcements were not made until the zoo was sure the mother and babies were in good health.

I love this cute photo of the cubs.  The one on the bottom looks pretty tired from all the attention.  Photo from AP News/NPR.

Clouded leopards are found in parts of China and South East Asia. It is hard to estimate how many there are in the wild because they are reclusive animals.

They are threaten by poachers that are after the leopard’s skin and fur. They are also hunted for medicinal uses too. These are some of the things I can’t believe people are still doing to animals.

On the bright side, clouded leopards have been born successfully in the U.S. too. Last summer, two other Clouded leopard cubs were also born into The Smithsonian National Zoo. The zoo is trying to preserve the species, but has not been successful mating the animals. It’s been nearly two decades since a birth at the zoo.

According to the National Zoo’s JoGayle Howard, the male leopard captivity will sometimes kill the female it is paired with.

The secret to have the male be less aggressive was to raise the cubs together when they are young.  This way they have the chance to bond and grow up together. Apparently this is the secret as it’s worked very well. Last summer, three other cubs were also born at the Nashville Zoo.

Here is another picture of the Parisian zoo’s cub. They have such interesting spots on their body and face. And such a cutie! Photo from Associated Press.

Note: Thanks B for the update!