A RARE baby margay has been born at a Shaldon zoo.
The elusive wild cat was born at Shaldon Wildlife Trust on October 13 but has just made an appearance having been tucked away being cared for by her mum Lucia.
The ‘purrfect’ new arrival has now started to make her first public appearances to the delight of both staff and visitors.
The trust team found out the sex of a baby, a little girl, last month when she had her first health check up with the vet.
Also in the newsBuckfastleigh Fire Station welcomes newest recruit Ben Weather blog: more ice and snow on the wayPolice dog Ken lends a paw during Kingsteignton drugs raid Take extra care following snow warning, DCC says
In honour of long standing former employee and trustee Julie Matthews, who died recently, the baby has been named Juliet.
The Margay, Leopardus wiedii, a small, nocturnal wild cat native to Central and South America, is a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
This latest arrival represents a vital step in Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s mission to support the protection and breeding of endangered species.
The kitten, born to Lucia and Harley, has been thriving under the expert care of Lucia, who is now a very experienced mother having had three kittens before.
Trust director Zac Showell said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted with the arrival of this little one.
‘Margays are incredibly special animals, and every new birth is an important milestone in helping to raise awareness about their conservation status.
‘Not only do we care for this species at the zoo but we also support wild margay conservation through our partners in Panama, CREA.’
Margay are part of a European Association of Zoos and Aquarium breeding programme aimed at supporting the genetic diversity of this vulnerable species and contributing to conservation education. Visitors to Shaldon Wildlife Trust will have the opportunity to see the baby as she grows and to learn more about the natural behaviours and habitat of margays.