Sleepy-faced

Binturong

Binturong 01Meet the binturong, a furry mammal with a distinctive prehensile tail and a bear-like appearance. This one is just waking up from a nap and showing us his cute face. Binturongs are native to Southeast Asia and are also known as bearcats. They have a musky scent that resembles popcorn and are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, eggs and small animals. Binturongs are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so they need our protection and conservation efforts.

Note, our younger son Jonathan works with campers at Roger Williams Park Zoo and provided me with this base information. In fact, it was his enthusiastic guidance that informed me that I should be taking a photograph of the Binturong who is not often seen. 

The binturong is a strange and marvelous creature that is rarely seen in the wild. It is also known as the bearcat, due to its bear-like face and cat-like body. Binturongs are native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, and they are one of the most arboreal mammals in the world. They spend most of their time in trees, where they hunt small mammals and birds.

One of the most distinctive things about binturongs is their smell. They have a musky odor that has been described as smelling like popcorn or buttered popcorn. This smell is produced by a compound in their urine called 2-AP. The exact purpose of this smell is not fully understood, but it is thought to help binturongs mark their territory and attract mates.

Binturongs are also known for their gentle and playful nature. They are social animals, and they live in groups of up to 10 individuals. They are also very intelligent and can be trained to perform tricks.

The binturong is an interesting creature, but it is also a vulnerable one. They are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. The binturong at Roger Williams Park Zoo is a rare and precious animal, and it is important that we do everything we can to protect them.

Here are some additional facts about binturongs:

• They have a prehensile tail that they use to help them climb trees.
• They are excellent swimmers.
• They are nocturnal animals.
• They give birth to 1-4 young at a time.
• The young binturongs stay with their mother for up to 2 years.
• Binturongs can live for up to 25 years in captivity.

If you are ever lucky enough to see a binturong, be sure to take a moment to appreciate this unique and wonderful creature. They are a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and they deserve our protection.

Binturong 01Meet the binturong, a furry mammal with a distinctive prehensile tail and a bear-like appearance. This one is just waking up from a nap and showing us his cute face. Binturongs are native to Southeast Asia and are also known as bearcats. They have a musky scent that resembles popcorn and are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, eggs and small animals. Binturongs are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so they need our protection and conservation efforts. Binturong 02Meet the binturong, a furry mammal with a distinctive prehensile tail and a bear-like appearance. This one is just waking up from a nap and showing us his cute face. Binturongs are native to Southeast Asia and are also known as bearcats. They have a musky scent that resembles popcorn and are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, eggs and small animals. Binturongs are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, so they need our protection and conservation efforts.

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