Animal that smells like popcorn arrives at zoo

Yahoo

5 days ago

An animal that smells like popcorn has arrived at a zoo as part of a breeding programme.
Marwell Zoo has welcomed its second binturong, a peculiar animal often described as a cross between a bear and a cat with a distinct scent reminiscent of buttery popcorn.
The new addition, a male named Hanoi, arrived from France and will join Bellatrix, completing the zoo's pair of binturongs.
These creatures, also known as bearcats, are classified under the civet family.
Refurbished habitat welcomes Marwell's penguins after months in temporary quarters (Image: Marwell Zoo) Notable for their lack of agility, binturongs predominantly dwell in trees, using their prehensile tails for balance and to grab branches.
The zoo staff hopes that the new arrival will breed with Bellatrix.
However, not all news about binturongs is positive.
Native to Southeast Asia, they are listed as vulnerable, mainly due to threats such as poaching, the pet trade, and habitat loss.
READ MORE: Marwell Zoo to host activities for Love Your Zoo Week
Carrie Arnold, Marwell's carnivore team leader, said: "This is such an important addition to our Marwell family.
"Binturongs are a vulnerable species, so this new arrival is a really exciting and important step in our breeding efforts.
"Our hope is that Hanoi and Bellatrix will form a strong bond and help secure the future of this fascinating species."
Carrie also noted that the animals can prove elusive to zoo visitors.
She suggested checking the Marwell app for feeding times, as this would provide a better chance of spotting the binturongs in their treetop habitat.
The zoo also has more good news to share this half term, with the reopening of the penguins' home following renovations.
After three months in a temporary habitat, the penguins will return to the refurbished Penguin Cove, complete with an innovative advanced water flow system designed to create variable-speed currents, ideally improving the penguins' fitness and muscle development.
Marwell has invited and encouraged the public to visit the zoo during half term, from May 24 to June 1, to see the new animal residents and join the Love Your Zoo Week celebrations, which offer countless fun-filled activities and animal-related adventures.
Tickets and more information about the zoo can be found on the Marwell website.