Binturongs are found in southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Palawan Island.  They are highly endangered in parts of their range and threatened/ vulnerable in others due to habitat destruction and poaching for use as a delicacy and in medicine.

They are arboreal -- living in the dense forest canopy of the rain forest.  Relatively slow-moving and inoffensive, binturongs are mainly nocturnal.  They spend the day curled in branches and basking in the sun.  Awkward on the ground they are skilled climbers and move through the canopy from branch to branch searching for food.  They can also dive, swim and catch fish; and they kill small animals like ducks by jumping on them!

They range in size from 4 - 6 feet including the tail which is almost as long as the body.  Weight is 30 - 40 pounds. Binturongs have thick, coarse, glossy black fur, white whiskers and black ear tufts.  The prehensile tail is covered with very long thick fur.  It is used as an extra hand, holding on to branches or hanging by it to reach food.  A scent gland under the tail produces strong-smelling musk oil which is used to mark their territory.  The scent resembles popcorn or warm corn bread.  They can make loud howls, low grunts, and hisses and when happy, chuckling noises.

Binturongs are fruit eaters, especially of strangler figs in their native habitat.  Eggs, young shoots, leaves, birds, rodents and other small animals may also be eaten.  They function both as critical seed dispersers and pest controllers in their habitat!  Their zoo diet consists of cat food (Meow Mix) and fruit (usually bananas), topped with mice and soaked with water.

Reproduction is non-seasonal but usually peaks during January to March.  Gestation is around 91 days; litter size can vary from 1 to 6 but 2 is typical.  Although usually tame, they can be aggressive when cornered and bite.  They can be easily domesticated and kept as pets.  Lifespan in captivity is 20 + years.

Our male binturongs arrived on October 7, 2003. Joker was born May 7, 1994 and Ricky Ricardo April 12, 1999.  In March of 2006, a female named Lucille arrived.  Her birthday is July 2, 2005, and she will be a mate for Ricky when she is old enough.