First glimpse of new fishing cat at Newquay Zoo
The rare baby wild cat was born in February
Newquay Zoo's new baby fishing cat has been seen for the first time.
The kitten was born back in February, but mum Freya has been keeping it under wraps while finds its feet and learns to eat solid food.
Fishing cats are medium-sized wild cats, classed as vulnerable in the wild, which normally live in South-East Asia, Northern India and Sri Lanka.
As their name suggests, fishing cats are not at all afraid of water - they are excellent swimmers, and catch their prey by ‘fishing’ for fish, frogs and crustaceans.
Dave Rich, Keeper Team Leader, said: “The number of fishing cats in the wild is declining due to pollution and destruction of their natural habitats – such as swamps, marshes, lakes and mangrove forests – so it is great to be able to help increase the number of fishing cats worldwide, and also introduce people to this lesser-known species.
“Both mum and baby are doing well, and we can’t wait to see it as it grows in both size and confidence, and starts to fully explore the enclosure.”
Once the fishing kitten is a bit older, it will be sexed, chipped and given a name. It will stay close to its mother for the next several months, learning new skills.