Fuengirola Bioparc bearcats born

Two binturongs have been born in the Fuengirola Bioparc.

The binturong, also known as a bearcat, is a rare species belonging to the genet family although they have little resemblance to any other member of their species; instead they look a bit like a cross between a bear and a cat.

They are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity and, as such, have created much excitement at the Fuengirola Bioparc, which is one of five zoos in Europe to have successfully bred them.

As so little is known about this species the vets at the zoo were a little concerned about the mother, Kimi, when she got pregnant but there were no problems and soon the two cubs arrived.

This Southern Asian species is predominantly vegetarian with fruit and nuts making up 90% of their diet and, although they look like predators, their teeth are suitable for chewing rather than hunting.

They often stand on two legs, like a bear, and have prehensile tails like many South American monkeys.

Bearcats are considered an endangered species and their population is estimated to have shrunk by almost 30% in the last 30 years.