Zoo Miami welcomes two clouded leopard kittens

Zoo Miami is welcoming the births of two highly endangered clouded leopards.

The male and female have been secluded in a den with their mother, Serai, since their Feb. 11 birth, according to a news release from the South Florida zoo. The kittens were meant to properly bond with their mother while avoiding external stress.

Zookeepers took the kittens Tuesday to check their development and give them their initial vaccines. Both offspring appear to be thriving, and the mother continues to be attentive and nursing them on a regular basis, officials said.

Clouded Leopards are found in forests within Southern China, Taiwan and Malaysia. Adults usually weigh 30-50 pounds (13-23 kilograms). They have a very long tail with relatively short legs and large paws to facilitate their frequent arboreal lifestyle. Clouded leopards are highly endangered over most of their range due to hunting. Their attractive pelts have ceremonial value in many cultures.

(Ron Magill/ZooMiami via AP)