Zoo’s wildcat kitten captured on camera for first time
Bosses at Chester Zoo say the animal could offer a ‘lifeline’ for the species.
A rare Scottish wildcat kitten born at Chester Zoo has been captured on camera for the first time.
The female kitten, born in August, could offer a “lifeline for the species”, zoo bosses said.
Chester Zoo’s curator of mammals Tim Rowlands said: “Unlike domestic cats who can have several litters a year, Scottish wildcats will usually only have one, so every birth is really, really significant.
“The kitten was born to parents Einich and Cromarty in August but, given their incredibly elusive nature, had not been caught on camera until now.
“It’s ever so special to see just how active the kitten already is and how she’s already starting to practise the skills that these magnificent stealth hunters use to pounce on their prey.”
“Conservation breeding in zoos is a key component in the wider plan to prevent Scottish wildcats from disappearing altogether – and each new arrival offers another lifeline for the species.”
As the only remaining wild feline species, wildcats are protected under UK law but are still under huge threat from habitat loss, cross-breeding with domestic cats and disease.
Chester Zoo is one of a number of conservation partners which form Scottish Wildcat Action – a co-ordinated effort to bring the tenacious hunters back from the brink.
