Binturongs
The common nickname for the binturong is “bearcat,” which makes sense when you look at them! However, the bearcat is actually part of the mongoose family. These incredible animals are indigenous to Southeast Asia, to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, due to heavy deforestation, and the fact that the binturong is considered a rare delicacy, bearcats are on the endangered species list.
Binturongs are often difficult for zoos to acquire, due not only to their vulnerable status, but also to the challenges of breeding in captivity. Bearcats are monogamous animals, which means that like humans, they will refuse to mate if they don’t like any other binturongs. Some bearcats are single for their entire lives if never find “the one.” It’s depressing how much they really are just like us!
There are personality differences between males and females. Females are more demanding of attention and are the most dominant of their siblings, who are usually predominantly male. This never changes! Female binturongs make the rules in their relationships. A female’s full-grown weight will be 5 to 30 pounds more than a male’s, and they both know it! But size doesn’t matter with these animals, as a bearcat who is 20 pounds and a bearcat who is 90 pounds both have an equal propensity for being sweet and lovable.
Social bearcats are the most desired bearcats. These animals are great for shows and education! They’re incredibly playful and can be taught how to do any number of things. Plus, taking care of an animal that is so fun and sweet is perfect for any ZooMommy. Bearcats are essentially kittens that have prehensile tails (like the kinkajou). They can climb you like a tree, and they love to romp, pounce, cuddle, and purr.
(Here's a video of a playful baby bearcat meeting my dog, who loves baby animals. This video is long, but amusing!)
These guys drink milk from a bottle until they are about 4 months old. They are omnivorous, so it is perfectly fine to supplement their milk with fruit until they are old enough to try eating wet dog food (around the time they are weaned).
It is necessary to clean bearcats as often as possible. They drag their heavy tails through their messes. Plus, even though their popcorn scent (I’m not even joking—bearcats smell exactly like buttered popcorn!) is nice at first, it’s absolutely permeating and will become overwhelming. Bathing a baby bearcat is doable, but challenging because of their needle-like claws. I suggest filling the tub with a couple inches of water. At least as they try to climb up your arms to escape, their potty parts are getting clean! Using wet wipes is always a good option as well, of course.
Fortunately, those sharp little nails are the most dangerous parts of a baby binturong. You will definitely have cuts all over your arms and legs after playtime. However, their sweetness and cuteness are more than enough to overshadow any scrapes they cause. My favorite part of playing with a baby bearcat is getting him so riled up that he walks around on his hind legs and flops down on my hand with all his weight. It’s silly, but that’s how adult bearcats actually catch prey like small rodents! Also, it’s incredibly adorable.
No matter what, just be aware of how big these creatures will be and how much power they will have. As I mentioned before, it is possible for these animals to get up to around 100 pounds. A heavy, bear-like animal with sharp claws and teeth and a giant prehensile tail that can climb up to your head in seconds is not an animal you want to disrespect.
Binturongs are amazing animals, and I’m unbelievably lucky to have had the pleasure of raising several babies over the last decade. It has been tough at times, like when I’ve had to keep babies in an incubator and feed them every one-and-a-half hours, or when I’ve come home to destruction due to an escaped binturong. I wouldn’t take any of it back though, and I hope those of you who are fortunate enough to care for a baby bearcat feel the same.
Until next time, hugs and kisses to all my ZooFriends!
ZooMommy
(Just for funsies, here's a video of a baby bearcat meeting a baby kangaroo!)