Kathleen Graham, General Manager for the Curraghs Wildlife Park said: ‘We are delighted with the new arrival. Loss of habitat now means that Fishing Cats are classified as endangered and there are only about 200 kept in zoos worldwide. Fishing Cats are one of the more difficult cat species to breed in captivity as they are easily disturbed. This kitten is only one of about 10 born in the past year worldwide. So this is incredibly exciting news.”
 
Kathleen added: ‘Fishing Cats are protective of their young and because of that the kitten was a couple of weeks old before it was discovered by the keepers. Needless to say, mum has done a fantastic job and we are all very proud of her.’
 
Juan Turner MLC, Member with responsibility for the Curraghs Wildlife Park said: ‘This is fantastic news for the Curraghs Wildlife Park. With so many developments going into the Park and new animal arrivals, it really is the best family day out in the Island in terms of value, education and entertainment. I hope that people will take the opportunity to come and see our new arrival over the next few weeks. Zoos and Wildlife Parks do an important job in helping endangered species and we are really privileged to have had a new arrival at our Park.’
 
The new kitten was born a little over 8 weeks ago and as of yet has not been sexed, both it and its mother have been separated from the male because fishing cats are by nature solitary and males can be unpredictable and aggressive. This is the second kitten born to the pair at the Curraghs Wildlife Park; the previous kitten, a male was sent to another zoo to be included in the breeding program.
 
The kitten can now be regularly seen out in its enclose with its mother but will not be fully weaned until it is about six months old and will be fully grown in less than a year.
 
The Fishing Cat is a medium sized feline about twice the size of a domestic cat. It is found in densely vegetated areas near water in marshes, mangroves, rivers and streams in the countries of South East Asia. 
 
The Curraghs Wildlife Park is still open seven days a week until the end of the school half term period and you can see the new kitten in the Asian Swamp area. To keep up to date with all the latest news and events at the Park, join our Facebook page www.facebook.com/curraghswildlifepark.