Khao Kheow Zoo Explains Why Clouded Leopard 'Nong Nueng' Isn't Publicly Accessible

Matichon•General•11d ago

Reader Briefing

Khao Kheow Open Zoo is keeping its clouded leopard, 'Nong Nueng,' off-limits to direct public viewing due to its critical role in global conservation and breeding programs.

•Khao Kheow Open Zoo is not allowing direct public viewing of 'Nong Nueng,' a popular clouded leopard, to protect its breeding program.
•The zoo highlights the clouded leopard's importance as a global conservation hub, a rewilding project success, a biodiversity indicator, and an educational ambassador.
•The public can observe 'Nong Nueng' via 24-hour live streaming instead of direct visits.

Overview

•Khao Kheow Open Zoo is not opening 'Nong Nueng' for direct public viewing in order to protect the clouded leopard's vital breeding program.
•Khao Kheow Open Zoo Director Narongwit Chodchoi stated that 'Nong Nueng' is still in the breeding program and cannot be opened for the general public to see.
•Khao Kheow Open Zoo is providing live streaming of 'Nong Nueng' for 24 hours a day, resulting in continuous public access to observe the animal.
•Clouded leopards are crucial for Khao Kheow Open Zoo as a global conservation hub, a success in rewilding projects, a biodiversity indicator, and an educational ambassador species.
•The zoo partners with the Smithsonian Institution and North American zoos in the Clouded Leopard Consortium, facing challenges due to the species' difficult breeding behavior in captivity.
•Khao Kheow Open Zoo's clouded leopards have been used in rewilding projects in conservation areas like the Phu Phan Dong Rai Wildlife Sanctuary to restore wild populations in Thailand's dry rainforests.
•Clouded leopards serve as an 'Ambassador Species' for Khao Kheow Open Zoo to educate tourists and youth about habitat loss and illegal hunting.
•Narongwit Chodchoi mentioned that if people want to encourage 'Nong Nueng,' they can watch via live streaming, indicating this is the current method of engagement.

Full article content is available on the original source.

Read on Matichon (Thai Version)View in Google Translate

Source: Matichon (Original)

Key Quotes

Narongwit Chodchoi

"The cub is still in the breeding program and cannot be opened for the general public to see. But if you want to cheer for the cub, you can watch via live streaming. We broadcast 24 hours."

น้องยังอยู่ในโครงการเพาะขยายพันธุ์ ยังไม่สามารถเปิดให้ประชาชนทั่วไปดูได้ แต่ถ้าอยากให้กำลังใจน้องสามารถดูได้ทาง live streaming ครับ เราถ่ายให้ดูน้อย 24 ชั่วโมงเลย

Key Entities

Person

Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo(ผอ.สวนสัตว์เขาเขียว)

The Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Narongwit Chodchoi, who explained why the clouded leopard 'Nong Nueng' is not open for public viewing.

Nong Nueng(น้องหนึ่ง)

A popular clouded leopard at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, notable for its large eyes and for being kept off-limits to direct public viewing due to conservation and breeding programs.

Narongwit Chodchoi(นายณรงค์วิทย์ ชดช้อย)

The Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who provided an explanation regarding the accessibility of the clouded leopard 'Nong Nueng'.

Organization

Khao Kheow Open Zoo(สวนสัตว์เปิดเขาเขียว)

An open zoo in Thailand that is a global conservation hub for clouded leopards, involved in breeding programs and rewilding initiatives.

Matichon Online(มติชนออนไลน์)

A Thai online news outlet that interviewed the Director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Clouded Leopard Consortium

A collaborative group of conservation institutions, including Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the Smithsonian Institution, and North American zoos, focused on breeding and conserving clouded leopards.

Smithsonian Institution(สถาบันสมิธโซเนียน)ℹ️

An institution that collaborates with Khao Kheow Open Zoo and other North American zoos on the Clouded Leopard Consortium for clouded leopard conservation.

Animal

Clouded Leopard(เสือลายเมฆ)ℹ️

A species of wild cat featured prominently in the article, highlighted for its importance in conservation, breeding programs, and as an indicator of forest health.

Place

Phu Phan Dong Rai Wildlife Sanctuary(เขตรักษาพันธุ์สัตว์ป่าพนมดงรัก)

A conservation area in Thailand where clouded leopards from Khao Kheow Open Zoo's projects are released as part of a rewilding effort.

Website

https://www.zoodio.live/th

The website where the 24-hour live streaming of 'Nong Nueng' the clouded leopard is available to the public.