Characteristics
Binturongs, also known as bearcats, live in the canopies of tropical rain forests in southeast Asia. They use their prehensile tail, which can be as long as their body, as another limb to help them climb. They have an important role in the rainforest ecosystem. Through their feces, they spread seeds from the fruits the eat, helping to replant the forest.
What’s that Smell?
Many animals use scent to communicate. Binturongs have an oil gland under their tail which marks trees as they climb. It lets other binturongs know they are trespassing, or may help attract a mate. Binturongs have a very distinctive odor, similar to popcorn.
Behavior
Binturongs usually live by themselves or in small family groups consisting of a female and her immature offspring.
Our Animals
Potter Park Zoo is home to two binturong – Barry, a male born in 2017 at the Brookfield Zoo, and Thistle, a female born in 2019 at the Roger Williams Zoo. We hope you see them on your next visit!
