Chester Zoo has announced the birth of the first fossa pups in its 91-year history. The 12-week-old triplets, one male and two females, were born to five-year-old adults Shala and Isalo in July. Keepers spotted the trio emerging from their den and have yet to name them.
Fossas are slender, cat-like mammals, distant relatives of the mongoose, and can grow up to 1.8 metres from nose to tail tip, weighing up to 12 kilograms. Their long tails aid balance when leaping among tree branches. Endemic to Madagascar, they are considered one of the world's most elusive carnivores, with only about 2,600 remaining in the wild.
Zookeeper Rachael Boatwright said: 'While it's still early days, the three pups are doing great and are now full of confidence as they learn to climb trees and explore together, all under the watchful eye of mum, of course.' She added: 'The birth of Shala's triplets is a huge cause for celebration. Not only are they the first pups to ever be born at our zoo, but their arrival into the endangered species breeding programme will allow us to discover more about their behaviours - from tiny pups all the way to adults.'
Conservationists from Chester Zoo have been working in Madagascar for over a decade to protect endangered habitats. Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants, said the new arrivals give 'hope' amid fears the species could face extinction due to deforestation.
