SEE PHOTOS: Zoo Miami looks into why this endangered clouded leopard pukes so often

An endangered clouded leopard underwent a series of exams Monday at Zoo Miami in an effort to diagnose what is causing it to vomit continuously, the organization said in a news release.

It’s estimated that fewer than 10,000 mature clouded leopards exist in the wild in forests in Southern China, Taiwan and Malaysia, according to researchers. The vulnerable species is highly endangered due to hunters seeking the animals’ attractive pelts, Ron Magill, wild animal expert and spokesman for Zoo Miami, said Tuesday.

Recent research has proposed the clouded leopard branched from other members of the Pantherinae family first — over six million years ago — making them the most ancient feline species in the modern cat world, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The average lifespan of the clouded leopard is 12 to 15 years, though they may live up to 17 years under human care, the Smithsonian says.

Males weigh up to 50 pounds and females are significantly smaller, usually 25 to 35 pounds. Zoo Miami has five clouded leopards, including two adults and three juveniles, Magill said.

What makes these leopards so special is their ability to climb trees, and the size of their canine teeth, Magill told the Miami Herald.

“Their relatively short legs and extremely long tail are adapted for life in the trees,” he said. “Their most impressive stat is that they have the longest canine teeth relative to their size than any other cat — the modern day saber tooth tiger!”

The 11-year-old female clouded leopard named Serai had an ultrasound and an endoscopy Monday, where several biopsies were taken from her oral cavity, stomach and small intestine, the zoo said. During these exams, experts were able to get a closer look at inflammatory tissue that is likely connected to the vomiting issues.

Initial results indicate that Serai’s vomiting problems may be the result of a food allergy, the zoo said. Staff will work to pinpoint exactly what Serai is allergic to and adjust her diet accordingly.

READ MORE: Need a break from coronavirus? Zoo Miami shared photos of cute baby clouded leopards

The cute rascal also had a series of x-rays done, blood collected, a COVID-19 test and a general wellness exam that included eyes, ears and teeth, the zoo noted.

“Other than the inflammatory tissue seen in her mouth and throat, she is in generally good condition,” the zoo said.