Clouded leopards are secretive Asian felids with specific arboreal and behavioural needs. Their welfare in zoo settings requires specialist knowledge and careful management.
Clouded leopard welfare in zoo settings is challenging due to the combination of their secretive nature, arboreal specialisation, and reproductive difficulty. Males may kill females during introduction, requiring careful pairing and supervised introductions with escape routes provided. Their arboreal lifestyle demands enclosures with substantial climbing infrastructure at height. Visitor exposure causes significant stress responses in this shy species; welfare is improved by providing off-exhibit retreat areas. Dietary variety including whole prey when possible supports dental health given their specialised dentition. Stress reduction through minimised disturbance is central to clouded leopard welfare management.