The Greensboro Science Center in Greensboro, North Carolina has announced the birth of two binturongs. The bintlets were born on May 5, 2023, to Susan (female) and Mee-Noi (male), a pair recommended for breeding by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® program. These are the first births of bintlets at the Centre.
The bintlets are hand-raised behind the scenes by the animal care team and are not currently visible to guests. The team will keep the public informed of its progress via social media.
“Historically, binturong births have not been that common in AZA facilities and the population has been on a downward trend over the past 20 years,” said Jessica Hoffman, vice president of care and animal welfare. “Only a few pairs have gone on to be successful, which makes this new couple of Susan and Mee-noi particularly exciting for us. This birth now marks the fifth birth in the last year across the AZA, helping to strengthen the durability of this highly valued species.
Binturongs, also known as bearcats, are neither bears nor cats, but are members of the Viverridae family, along with civets and fossas. It is one of two prehensile-tailed carnivorous species. Although they are considered carnivores, their diet consists mainly of fruits and berries. Binturongs are native to the rainforests of South and Southeast Asia, and according to the IUCN Red List they are vulnerable.
“Revolution Ridge’s intention has always been to spark a revolution in new thinking and awareness of the erosion of the freedoms of life in nature,” said Glenn Dobrogosz, the Center’s Executive Director. “Just like human beings, all wild creatures want to live their lives as nature intended. AZA-accredited institutions like the Greensboro Science Center provide the general public with an educational window into modern conservation science. Successful breeding programs for rare animals have now become essential.
Photo credit: © Greensboro Science Center
Edited by Jessica Sansarran, Communications Coordinator at AZA.
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