Three rare fossa cubs born at Cumbrian wildlife centre

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

Three baby fossa have been born at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis in Cumbria, the only fossa births in the UK this year.

Three baby fossa have been born at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis in Milnthorpe, Cumbria, around three months ago and have now gone on public display. They are the offspring of Mangoro and Makira and are part of the European captive breeding programme. This is the only fossa birth recorded in the UK this year, representing a significant achievement for the conservation of the species, which is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Dan Eccles, manager of living collections at the centre, expressed pride in the births. He said the cubs are 'like little duracell bunnies, they never stop' and spend their time playing with each other, exploring and honing their climbing skills. He attributed their survival to careful management of the breeding programme and the hard work of the team caring for them. 'These are not easy animals to look after and to have babies shows that they are thriving under our care,' he said.

Fossa are the largest mammalian carnivores native to Madagascar. Wild populations are declining due to poaching and habitat loss, with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals estimated to remain. Once the cubs mature, they will be relocated to other zoos to support further breeding efforts. A full health check is planned for early November, when they will be microchipped for identification. The cubs have not yet been named or sexed.

How it is being reported

• Pups of 'vulnerable' animals are only ones of their species born in the UK this yearThree rare carnivore babies have been born at a wildlife centre in Cumbria.Westmorland Gazette · 20 Oct, 06:00
• Pups of 'vulnerable' animals are only ones of their species born in the UK this yearThree rare carnivore babies have been born at a wildlife centre in Cumbria.NW Evening Mail · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Lakeland Wildlife Oasis · Milnthorpe · Cumbria · Madagascar · Dan Eccles · Mangoro · Makira

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