What if I told you there's a big cat that can climb down trees, head first, hang upside down from branches, and has teeth almost as long as a saber-toothed tiger. And most people have never even seen one. It's called the Clouded Leopard. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite jungle explorers, let me give a huge shout out to Amelia in the UK. Thank you for the email, Amelia, and for the suggestion of Clouded Lepers. If you'd like to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, suggest a topic, or get a birthday shout out, email us at Nature LovingKidsPodcast at gmail.com. Now, on to my favorite explorers.
SPEAKER_02Hi, I'm Hattie, and I've never heard of this animal before. And I'm Dylan, and I would like to see a ninja cat. And I'm Ivy, and I'm ready for some leopard goats.
SPEAKER_00Well, you're going to like this one, Ivy.
SPEAKER_02So what is a clouded leopard?
SPEAKER_00A clouded leopard is a wild cat that lives in the forest of Asia. It's not as big as a lion, but bigger than a house cat.
SPEAKER_02So it's like a medium-sized big cat.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. And it gets its name from the cloud-like patterns on its fur.
SPEAKER_02Well, that makes sense. The spots look like clouds.
SPEAKER_00Yes, and those patterns help it blend into the jungle. Now, clouded leopards are some of the best climbers in the animal world.
SPEAKER_02They can climb straight up trees, hang upside down, walk along branches, and even climb down trees headfirst. Wait, most animals don't go down headfirst.
SPEAKER_00Right. Most animals back down slowly, but clouded leopards can turn their ankles almost backward, which helps them grip the tree as they go down.
SPEAKER_02That's actually crazy. That's definitely a ninja cat.
SPEAKER_00Now, here's something really surprising. Clouded leopards have some of the longest teeth compared to their body size of any cat.
SPEAKER_02Longer than lions?
SPEAKER_00Proportionately, yes. Their teeth are similar to what we see in saber-toothed cats.
SPEAKER_02So they're like a smaller version.
SPEAKER_00That's a great connection. Those teeth help them catch and hold on to prey. Alright, jungle joke time. What do you have for us, Ivy?
SPEAKER_02Why are leopards so bad at hiding? Why? No matter where they hide, they're always spotted.
SPEAKER_01Why don't the animals in the zoo like to play games with the leopards? Why?
SPEAKER_02They all think he's a cheetah. Hey everyone, Hattie here. If you like this podcast and want bedtime stories for kids, check out my dad's podcast called Lantern Hollow.
SPEAKER_00Clouded leopards are actually very hard to spot. They're quiet, shy, and mostly active at night.
SPEAKER_02So people don't see them often?
SPEAKER_00Very rarely. Even scientists don't see them much in the wild. That's why they're sometimes called one of the most mysterious cats in the world.
SPEAKER_02Collarded leopards live in jungles, rainforests, and mountainous forests.
SPEAKER_00Mostly in parts of Asia, like Thailand, Malaysia, and Nepal.
SPEAKER_02So they need trees to survive.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. That's why protecting forests is so important for animals like them. Alright. Time for one more joke break. What do you have, Dylan?
SPEAKER_02Why don't leopards like fast foods? Why? They can't catch it. What did a leopard say to the other leopard? What? We're just too big leopard.
SPEAKER_00Think about this.
SPEAKER_02God designed a cat that can climb like a monkey, hide like a shadow, and move through trees like it's flying. That's a lot for one animal.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. Even animals most people have never seen are designed with incredible abilities. Even animals most people have never seen are designed with incredible abilities and beautiful design. All created by God. Clouded leopards may be hard to find, but they are one of the most amazing climbers in nature. From their cloud-like patterns to their incredible tree skills, they remind us that nature is full of hidden wonders. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.
SPEAKER_02If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button, new episode every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We agree every one. Just like Hayley Cow, you said, my boys are animal upset. And I love that they are excited to tune in and learn new facts. Hear jokes, and it's always from a Christian perspective. We can't wait for Wednesday. Thank you, Miss Haley and Boys. And watch out for Ninja Cat. Look out for Leftaro.
SPEAKER_00Until next time, stay curious, get outside. And remember, the world is full. Wild wonders.
SPEAKER_01I'm Zoe, and that was my laugh. And the other laugh was my little brother Miles.