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

Category: Ringtail

  • It Was a Christmas ‘Tail’ for ZooAmerica

    ,

    11021371_801055736610151_7688345075489692094_o

    On Christmas Day 2014, ZooAmerica, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, welcomed three baby Ringtails (Ring-tailed Cats). The two females were named ‘Holly’ and ‘Noel’, and their brother was named ‘Kringle’.

    11057300_801055696610155_34790477466835055_n

    11021307_801055743276817_7034636250386679890_o

    10440989_801055709943487_8664207098030456769_nPhoto Credits: ZooAmerica (Image 1: Kits at 5 weeks old; Image 2: 12 days old; Image 3: three weeks old; Image 4: Four weeks old; Image 5: Six weeks old; Image 6: Seven weeks old; Image 7: Eight weeks)

     

    The three kits are now on exhibit with their mother, ‘Acacia’. They continue to spend a great deal of time in their nest box, sleeping or nursing; but they can also be seen, occasionally, out playing.

    The kits will stay with their mother for about a year. They will then travel to other zoos, with the expectation of them staring families of their own.

    The Ringtail is a mammal of the raccoon family. They are native to Central America, Northern South America, California, Colorado, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Texas.

    (more…)

  • Ringtail Cubs Debut at The Living Desert

    ,

    BBUX RNGTL 006

    Two ringtails born June 12 at The Living Desert in California
    recently made their debut.  Because ringtails
    are nocturnal creatures, the staff shows off the babies during twice daily hand
    feedings, giving guests a better chance to see the babies.

    BBUX RNGTL 004

    1002165_10151652870379219_965673611_n

    BBUX RNGTL 001
    Photo Credit:  Bert Buxbaum

    The two cubs, one male and one female, we born to
    parents Abe and Penelope.  They have not
    yet been named.

    Also called ring-tailed cats, ringtails are closely related
    to raccoons.  They are native to the
    southern central plains and desert Southwest in the United States and are found
    throughout Mexico.  Like raccoons,
    ringtails are omnivorous, feeding on mice, frogs, toads, snakes, berries, and
    insects.   

    Because of their nocturnal habits and
    shyness toward humans, ringtails are not commonly seen in the wild.  Ringtails are expert climbers, with ankles
    that can rotate 180 degrees to allow headfirst descents from trees.