For the first time in over a quarter of a century, the San Diego Zoo has announced the birth of two binturongs, also known as bearcats. The zoo made the announcement on social media, sharing a video of the tiny mammals, which are known for their distinctive scent reminiscent of buttered popcorn.
The newborns, called binlets, were born in late March to first-time parents Nettle and Garret. Zoo officials said the family is spending quality time together behind the scenes, with the mother providing constant care, including grooming and cuddling.
Binturongs get their bearcat nickname from their cat-like face and bear-like body. Their unique popcorn aroma comes from their urine, which gets on their paws and tail as they move.
Adults can grow to the size of a medium dog, with shaggy black hair that makes them look like large dust mops. They also have stiff white whiskers and a prehensile tail as long as their body.
Native to the dense tropical and subtropical rainforests of South and Southeast Asia, binturongs spend most of their time in trees, eating fruit, vegetables, leaves, and birds. They are classified as a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat destruction, poaching for traditional medicine, and the fur and pet trade.
Zoo officials emphasized that the births are a significant win for the species' conservation. The San Diego Zoo's successful breeding program supports efforts to protect binturongs both in captivity and in their native habitats.