Last hope for Asian gold cats: Zoo Heidelberg fights for preservation!

Last hope for Asian gold cats: Zoo Heidelberg fights for preservation!

A dramatic race for survival! A four -year -old female from the Asian gold cat has arrived at Heidelberg Zoo - one of the last of its kind in Europe! Together with the Berlin Zoo, Heidelberg is the only German zoo to keep these shy cats. Only eleven animals are left over Europe, and this new member could be crucial for conservation breeding.

The Asian gold cat is potentially endangered on the Red List of IUCN, and the numbers decrease alarming. The main causes are the incessant hunting and the destruction of the forests in Southeast Asia. "This valuable cat from Indonesia may be our last chance," explains Sandra Reichler, curator of mammals in the Heidelberg Zoo. The import of this cat brings fresh genetic material into European breeding, which is of the greatest importance for the future. The hangover, who was born in the Wuppertal Zoo in 2022, is soon to be associated with her to promote the genetic diversity.

challenge of socialization

The settlement of the new female has so far been positive. In order to make it easier for the two shy animals to adapt, hiding places were created in the outer enclosure. "The process of socialization can take months and requires a lot of experience," says Reichler. The Heidelberg Zoo has had experience in the breeding of these cats since 1978 and is one of the most successful breeders with 26 surviving young animals. But the last breeding success is almost 20 years ago - an alarming sign of gold cap in European zoos.

In addition to the breeding efforts, the Heidelberg Zoo is also committed to protecting biodiversity on site. Sandra Reichler has established contacts with the Clouded Leopard Working Group, which is active in Southeast Asia. Anti-Wilderer units are formed with financial support to secure the habitats of the gold cats. Part of the income flows into the construction of predator -proof stables to minimize conflicts between farmers and gold cats. A comprehensive plan that brings hope for the endangered way!