Summary of BINTURONGS BORN AT ZOO ATLANTA:
Zoo Atlanta has welcomed three new binturongs, also known as “bearcats,” born to mother Bramble on August 31, 2023. The newborns, called billets, are the first of their species to be born at the zoo. Two of the three have successfully joined their mother and are nursing normally, while the third is being cared for by the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams. The billets, weighing around 400 grams and the size of squirrels, will remain behind the scenes for several weeks until they are large enough to safely navigate the outdoor habitat. Binturongs are native to southern and southeast Asia and face threats from habitat loss, the pet trade, and hunting. Zoo Atlanta is a member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil and promotes using sustainable palm oil to help protect animal populations.
Summary:
1. Zoo Atlanta welcomes the first binturongs to be born at the zoo, born to mother Bramble, on August 31, 2023.
2. The billets will remain behind the scenes for several weeks until they are large enough to join their mother in the outdoor habitat.
3. Binturongs, aorbearcats, are unique creatures with a prehensile tail and a distinctive scent resembling buttered popcorn.
4. Binturongs are native to southern and southeast Asia and are classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and other threats.
5. Zoo Atlanta is actively promoting sustainable palm oil production and advocating for the conservation of binturongs and other endangered species.
Binturongs Born at Zoo Atlanta: Welcome the Bearcat Bintlets!
Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to announce the arrival of three adorable binturongs, born to mother Bramble, on August 31, 2023. Affectionately known as billets, these newborns are an important milestone as the first binturongs to be born at the zoo. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of these unique creatures and discover what makes them so special.
First-time mom Bramble faced some initial challenges in accepting her offspring. However, with the dedicated efforts of the Animal Care and Veterinary Teams, two of the three billets have successfully joined their mother and are nursing normally. The remaining billet is being cared for by the teams in consultation with other accredited zoos with previous experience in successfully rearing this species. In the coming weeks, it is hoped that the third billet will be able to join its mother and siblings.
Binturongs, often called bearcats, are neither bears nor cats but are more closely related to civets. One of their most distinctive features is their prehensile tail, which means they can grasp and hold onto objects with it. It’s quite a remarkable sight to see these acrobatic creatures effortlessly navigate their surroundings using their long, flexible tails.
Aside from their extraordinary tails, binturongs also have a unique scent that has earned them an interesting nickname – the “stinky popcorn bear.” Their scent glands produce a fragrance reminiscent of buttered popcorn or corn chips. It’s quite a peculiar characteristic that sets them apart from other carnivores!
Native to southern and southeast Asia, binturongs can be found in countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of China. These incredible creatures are classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the numerous threats they face.
The most pressing threat to binturongs is habitat loss, primarily driven by the conversion of forests into agricultural lands, particularly for palm oil plantations. This widespread practice has destroyed their natural habitats, leaving them limited space to thrive. AdBinturongsre also hunted for their meat, a delicacy in certain regions.
It’s disheartening to witness the rapid decline of binturong populations, but there exists. Zoo Atlanta and several other accredited zoos have taken a stand by becoming members of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil™ (RSPO). This initiative aims to promote the sustainable production and use of palm oil, thereby reducing the negative impact of palm oil plantations on wildlife habitats.
As consumers, we can show our support by choosing products that use only sustainable palm oil. By doing so, we encourage companies to prioritize sustainability and protect the habitats of endangered species like the binturong. Increasing public awareness about the importance of sustainable palm oil is key to ensuring a brighter future for these incredible creatures.
Zoo Atlanta takes great pride in its commitment to conservation and education. Through the birth of these binturong billets, the zoo has a valuable opportunity to introduce visitors to a species they may have never heard of or seen before. By showcasing the intrinsic value of binturongs and the urgent need to protect their habitats, Zoo Atlanta aims to inspire visitors to take action and contribute to life conservation.
So, why not plan a visit to Zoo Atlanta and witness the incredible journey of Bramble, Baloo, and their adorable bibilletsirsthand? It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn about the importance of sustainable practices, and be captivated by the wonders of the animal kingdom. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for all living beings.
