Rare ‘Bearcat’ That Died In UK Zoo To Be Cryogenically Frozen

A uncommon bearcat that died in a UK zoo is ready to be frozen for future research and preservation. In response to Metro, Penh, the Cambodian binturong who lived at Drusillas Park in East Sussex, died on the age of 18 on July 31. He was considered one of solely three of such a species in European zoos and had spent 14 years in England. The choice to freeze the bearcat was to protect its physique and genetic materials for potential analysis and academic functions.  

As binturongs face the looming menace of extinction of their native Southeast Asian habitats resulting from rampant deforestation, conservation efforts depend on the assistance of wildlife sanctuaries. By freezing Penh’s physique, scientists can faucet into its genetic legacy, fueling the combat to guard this extraordinary animal and its dwindling inhabitants.

In the meantime, the zookeepers at Drusillas Park are left saddened by the lack of their beloved Penh, a cherished member of their animal household. ”A real gentleman, lover of tomatoes, and a candy and mild soul, he can be missed by his keepers and our guests. However Penh’s legacy will reside on,” Drusillas Park stated in an announcement on Instagram. 

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The park added, ”The lack of Penh is of nice disappointment, however via this collaboration, his genetic legacy will reside on, contributing to the conservation of binturongs for years to come back. Collectively, we’re guaranteeing that future generations will proceed to witness the great variety of the pure world.”

Animal charity Nature’s SAFE has been given the duty of cryogenically preserving Penh’s physique, freezing his genetic materials, together with his sperm and pores and skin cells. By preserving his genetic materials, conservationists hope to in the future use it to breed extra bearcats, serving to to make sure the long-term survival of the distinctive species.

Headkeeper Gemma, who was charged with delivering Penh’s cell tissue to Nature’s SAFE stated, ”It felt very bittersweet, I’ve labored with Penh for over a decade so though I felt unhappy, it was additionally a optimistic feeling figuring out it was not essentially the top for him. The group at Nature’s SAFE lab instantly examined Penh’s sperm pattern and we had affirmation that it was viable.”

What’s a bearcat?

A bearcat, often known as a binturong (Arctictis binturong), is a singular and engaging animal native to Southeast Asia. Regardless of its identify, it is neither a bear nor a cat, however a member of the Viverrid household, associated to civets and genets. Bearcats are comparatively giant, with adults reaching as much as 6 toes (1.8 meters) in size and weighing round 20-40 kilos (9-18 kilograms). They’ve a particular coat with a mixture of gray, white, and black fur, and an extended, bushy tail.

Bearcats inhabit forests and grasslands in nations like Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. They’re solitary, nocturnal, and glorious climbers, usually resting in bushes throughout the day. They’re omnivores, feeding on fruits, leaves, bugs, and small animals.

They’re listed as Susceptible on the IUCN Purple Checklist resulting from habitat loss, looking, and human-wildlife battle.