4 clouded leopard cubs will melt your heart

TACOMA, Wash. – The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium offered the public a first glimpse at four clouded leopard cubs.

The quadruplets were born on May 12 to Chai Li and her mate, Nah Fun. According to the zoo, their weights range from 11.11 ounces to 12.41 ounces, or about the equivalent of a box of corn flakes.

"These cats are precious," said Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff biologist Andy Goldfarb. "Clouded leopards are endangered, and there is constant pressure on the species from poaching, habitat loss and other human-animal conflict."

The cub's eyes remain closed for the time being and they are fed bottles of formula every three hours.

Zoo General Curator Karen Goodrowe Beck said that hand-raising cubs is routine in the Association of Zoos & Aquarium's Species Survival Plan program for clouded leopards to ensure their health and well-being.

"They are eating and gaining weight," Goldfarb said. "All four are active and moving around well."

While the quadruplets are not yet on exhibit, the zoo plans to announce later this month when the public can see the animals and what they will be named.

Fewer than 100 clouded leopards live in accredited North American zoos, and Point Defiance is globally recognized for its Clouded Leopard Conservation efforts.

It's difficult to not say "aww" when viewing pictures of these adorable cubs.