‘First of her kind’ creature introduced to Louisville Zoo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — A newcomer native to Southeast Asia has been welcomed to the Louisville Zoo’s Islands pavilion with open arms.

Bianca, a 1-year-old female binturong, arrived at the zoo from Greensboro, North Carolina, Louisville Zoo staff said in a news release on Thursday.

Binturongs, also known as “bearcats” are reportedly known to have a unique scent “which resembles buttery popcorn, and is produced by their scent glands to mark their territory,” according to the zoo.

Bianca’s species is listed as vulnerable in some parts of their range, and endangered in others. They face threats from habitat destruction due to palm oil production, which is a, poaching for traditional Asian medicines, and the fur and pet trade. In some areas, they are also considered a delicacy and hunted for food, according to a news release.

“Since joining the Zoo, Bianca has quickly charmed her care team with her curiosity and agility. Keepers note she is enthusiastic to interact during training sessions and loves climbing the various levels of twisting branches and wooden platforms in her newly redesigned space,” zoo staff told FOX 56.

Visitors can see Bianca in her new exhibit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily all year, through March 14, 2025. For more information and events, visit the Louisville Zoo website .

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