Page 15 - September Banner 2017_Neat

Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com www.TheCatoctinBanner.com The Catoctin Banner Newspaper September 2017 Page 15
Vulnerable Species of Civet Born at Catoctin Wildlife

Preserve

Courtesy Photos
A threatened Madagascar.
species from Slender
Madagascar just got and long-
a little less rare with bodied, Fossa
the addition of two resemble
Fossa pups, born at small
Catoctin Wildlife cougars and
Preserve June 17, are closely
2017. Only five zoos related to
in the United States mongoose.
have successfully They are
bred and raised this the largest
rare species. mammalian
Now ten-weeks carnivore on
old, the male and the island of
female pair of pups Madagascar.
are the second group The
born at the Preserve Preserve
in two years. The International Union certainly have perished if not for staff is currently expanding the Fossa
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) intervention. Forest facility and welcome
lists the species as “Vulnerable,” Raising baby Fossa requires sponsors and donations for the
with their greatest threat in the wild feedings every two hours, around materials and labor to complete
coming from habitat destruction. the clock, for their first two weeks. this important project. To make a
The pups are being hand-raised The pups now weigh over 500 donation, please contact Executive
by the Preserve’s certified veterinary grams and are beginning to eat solid Director Richard Hahn at 301-271-
technician, Laurie Hahn, who was foods, in addition to their special 3180.
also responsible for successfully liquid formula. The Fossa pups will Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is
raising the two pups born in 2015. be available for viewing beginning located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace
For unknown reasons, the Fossa Labor Day weekend. Road in Thurmont.
mother rejected her pups a few The cat-like carnivore became To find out more,
days after birth. Since they are born known to many after appearing visit their website at
blind and helpless, the pups would in the animated Dreamworks film CatoctinWildlifePreserve.com.