Fishing Cat Kittens Explore Their Yard
Visitors to the Smithsonian's National Zoo can now see its three-month-old fishing cat kittens exploring, playing, climbing and fishing on Asia Trail. The kittens and their mother, Electra, will be on exhibit from approximately 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, weather permitting. They are most active in the morning.
The kittens' birth May 18 marked an important milestone: this is the first time fishing cats have successfully bred and produced young at the National Zoo. Initially, Asia Trail staff monitored Electra and her offspring through a closed-circuit camera, which allowed the family time to bond. Over the last few months, keepers have worked closely with the cats to build trust and train behaviors that help animal care staff evaluate their health. Zoo visitors can see their father, Lek, in an adjacent yard.
To follow the kittens' development, read Great Cat Communiqué and check for news on the Zoo's Facebook page and Twitter feed.
Related Species:
Continue Exploring
The Science Behind Animal Snacks
How do you create a menu that is pleasing to the palates of giant pandas, flamingos and fishing cats?
Helping Fishing Cats Have Kittens
Fishing cats are vulnerable in the wild across South and Southeast Asia, and sightings by scientists are few and far between. Not many of these small spotted cats live in zoos either, which could spell trouble for the entire species.
Day in the Life: Asia Trail
Training sloth bears, making an otter puzzle feeder and researching red pandas by studying their poop. It’s all in a day’s work for animal keeper Tallie Wiles! Follow her story for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a day in the life of an Asia Trail keeper. Asia Trail is home to the Smithsonian's...