Cotswold Wildlife Park will be celebrating World Binturong Day tomorrow - Saturday 11 May.
The day is a worldwide event to raise awareness for this rare and endangered mammal.
Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the largest zoological collections in the UK and home to more than 1,500 animals from 250 different species.
One in particular sparks a great deal of curiosity from visitors due to its bizarre appearance and sweet-smelling aroma – the Binturong (Arctictis binturong).
Also known as Bearcats, they originate from the rainforests of south-east Asia and are related to small forest predators like Fossas, Civets and Genets. They are also the only creature to emit a completely unique scent which smells like buttered popcorn.
Cotswold Wildlife Park is committed to the conservation of the creatures.
Since their arrival at the Park six years ago, keepers have achieved remarkable breeding success with this species, so much so that the park is now home to the biggest group of Binturong in the country.
Assistant Animal Manager Chris Kibbey said: “Since introducing our Binturong pair in 2018, they have been doing a fantastic job of contributing to the captive breeding
programme.
In 2023, they produced their eighth and ninth kits here at the park. Young from previous years have already gone to other zoological collections which helps to maintain the captive ‘safety net’ for this vulnerable civet species.
“We are proud to boast that with six individuals, we currently have the largest group of Binturongs in the UK”.
To raise awareness and funds for the global conservation programme, tomorrow there will be a dedicated World Binturong Day stand at the park where visitors can learn more about the creatures and take part in fundraising activities, including the chance to win a Binturong Encounter.
All funds raised will go to ABConservation - https://www.abconservation.org/en/.
There will also be a special World Binturong Day talk and feed at midday by their keeper.
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