#conservatorscenter

Today is Valentine's Day and what could be a more wonderful way to celebrate than to share with you the LOVE I have for binturongs!?!  

Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure to meet and photograph a female baby binturong named Cole who lives at the Conservators' Center in Burlington, NC.  

Although commonly known as bearcats, binturongs are neither bears nor cats. They are a type of Southeast Asian carnivore (although they have an omnivorous diet) that dwells in trees and are one of two carnivore species with a prehensile tail (like some monkey species).  Prehensile tails are able to grasp things like tree limbs and are therefore very useful for life in the forest canopy.  

Binturongs contribute greatly to forest health through seed dispersal; making conservation of this species very important to the entire Southeast Asian Ecosystem.  Interestingly, a lot of people think they smell like popcorn!  I'm not sure if I agree, but I do know that their smell is unique and adored by all binturong fans!

Cole is not only a great ambassador for her wild counterparts, but she is also an important individual for the Conservators' Center's captive breeding efforts of binturongs.  Once she is old enough she will be introduced to the handsome "Oliver" and will hopefully one day produce her own adorable baby binturongs.  

If you are interested in seeing Cole (and other binturongs) in person, please contact the Conservators' Center and schedule a tour.  Just to be clear you will not be able to touch Cole during a tour, all of the people touching her in these photos are trained handlers.

***Cole is NOT a pet, and binturongs should never be pets.***