At just over three months old, Mirri - the first clouded leopard cub born in Australia - is proving to be a fighter. Born in November during an intense heatwave that saw temperatures soar to 47°C, Mirri has already transformed from a vulnerable 180‐gram newborn into a two kilogram bundle of energy, delighting conservationists at the Wild Cat Conservation Centre.

“Mirri continues to amaze us with her incredible progress over the last couple of months,” said Director Ben Britton. “This little fighter has officially hit the two kilogram mark - a huge milestone considering her humble beginnings.” Despite a rocky start, the cub has quickly become a symbol of resilience and hope for the centre’s ambitious conservation efforts.

Mirri’s early days were challenging. Delivered breech with only her tail visible for 20 nerve-wracking minutes, followed by an equally stressful six hour period, as the conservation team watched on remote cameras for signs that Mirri was alive and that Moana (her mum) was caring for her. After six hours Mirri had not suckled, normally a cub would suckle within one to two hours of being born. Moana then left the den box and abandoned Mirri so the team had to make the tough decision to step in. “While the ideal scenario would have been to see her thriving alongside her mum, we are absolutely thrilled that she has not only survived but thrived despite her rocky start,” Britton said.

A critical factor in Mirri’s survival has been the centre’s innovative approach to her development. Since a maternal bond was never established - Moana did not provide the necessary early nourishment - Mirri cannot be reunited with her parents, Mark and Moana. “Any attempt to reintroduce her could potentially be fatal, as Mark and Moana no longer recognise Mirri as their offspring,” Britton noted.

Instead, the centre is fostering Mirri’s natural leopard behaviours through gradual exposure to an outdoor habitat alongside resident clouded leopards Tai and Cinta. The young cub is now spending increasing amounts of time outside, where she is learning to navigate the complexities of her environment - from confidently running and climbing to even making sense of the rain, which she finds both “fascinating (and slightly confusing!).”

Looking ahead, the centre plans to extend her outdoor time further, with expectations that Mirri will transition to living outside permanently by mid-year. Visitors to the sanctuary may soon catch a glimpse of the spirited cub, whether in the nursery or exploring her evolving habitat.

Mirri’s story represents a significant step forward for clouded leopard conservation in Australia and globally. As part of a critically important, genetically diverse population managed in captivity, Mirri’s future is being carefully planned in collaboration with both the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and the United States’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). “Early indications suggest that Mirri may head to the United Kingdom later this year to be paired with a young male cub,” Britton revealed. “Introducing unrelated cubs at a young age is crucial for establishing strong bonds and supporting successful future breeding efforts.”

This potential international move marks a pivotal moment in the global recovery efforts for clouded leopards. Meanwhile, the centre remains optimistic about the future of its breeding program. Mark and Moana, despite the challenges with Mirri, are expected to mate again this winter, with the possibility of welcoming a new litter around September. “We’re hopeful that, with experience on their side, Mark and Moana will raise their next litter together without intervention,” Britton said..

For over eight years, the Wild Cat Conservation Centre has dedicated itself to the care and study of clouded leopards - enigmatic creatures known for their elusive nature and specialised care requirements. As Australia’s only facility approved to work with these magnificent wild cats, the centre has overcome numerous logistical hurdles, including international transfers and delays due to COVID-19, to build a state-of-the-art breeding program that is being recognised globally..

The Centre hopes that Mirri’s journey, offers hope for her own species and helps show the importance of conservation work to protect some of the planet’s most vulnerable creatures.