Adopt a red panda, clouded leopard, giant panda, or another Asian species!
Visit
the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries
of Asian Art.
Fishing Cat Enrichment
Native to South and Southeast Asia, fishing cats are amazing animals that actually go head first into a stream or pond to catch fish and other aquatic prey. At the National Zoo, keepers offer our two fishing cats goldfish from time to time.
This
stimulates their natural behavior and maintains their hunting
prowess. 
Watch a video.
A fishing cat eyes the goldfish swimming by, waiting for the best moment to pounce.
The cat dives head-first to snare a fish.
Success!
Resting on a full stomach. |
Fishing cats fish for fish and other aquatic animals,
and this behavior is amazing to watch. A brook will run
through the habitat, with several pools where the cats can
dive in
to catch prey. A successful hunt will end with the wet
cat retreating to eat its catch, usually to the applause
of visitors.
