The Newest, Cutest Baby Animals from the World's Zoos & Aquariums

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Fossa-Pups5

The Fossa, an unusual carnivore native to Madagascar, is the island’s largest predator. With only 2000 individuals surviving, it is considered to be among the world’s most endangered species. In order to preserve the species, a European breeding program was initiated under the EAZA (The Association of European Zoos and Aquariums). The breeding of this species in captivity is extremely difficult.  In September of this year, Calviac Zoological Reserve in France became the only European institution in 2011 to succeed with the births of two baby Fossas.

Now nearly 3 months old, the youngsters dexterously climb branches over 13 feet high. Fully weaned at 6 months, wild Fossas remain with their mothers until the age of 18 months, after which they will live in solitude.

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6 responses to “France Finds Success Breeding Fossa Pups!”

  1. M. Harding Avatar
    M. Harding

    Is this a canine, feline, or something else?

  2. Laurie Avatar
    Laurie

    This is a case of convergent evolution! Although it looks like a cat, the Fossa is actually more closely related to the mongoose.

  3. CalicoPaisley Avatar

    Even comparing them to mongooses is not easy. They were given their own subfamily, euplerids: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eupleridae
    Fossas are so amazingly awesome! I’m glad that they got a bit of screen time in the film “Madagascar”, even if they were misrepresented a bit. Very glad to see them flourishing here.

  4. M. Harding Avatar
    M. Harding

    Thank you.

  5. Huttonator Avatar
    Huttonator

    Viva la France!!! Next time I am in France, I will have to stop in and see them.

  6. rob severn Avatar
    rob severn

    I was in south west France a few years ago and I saw a strange animal I did not recognise in the woods, this summer I visited the Paris zoological gardens and saw a Fossa, unless mistaken I am sure I saw a fossa in the woods that day, it was fox red but with a smooth coat and long tail not bushy at all small fox large cat size, large back legs with big thighs, it walked away from me and my baby Grandson.

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