Threat Level
Vulnerable
(Arctictis binturong)
With shaggy black fur, stiff white whiskers, a small face and intense eyes, Binturongs are very odd looking creatures! They have a prehensile tail which is used to hang on to branches like a monkey. But Binturongs are not monkeys - they belong to the order of animals known as the Carnivora (which includes bears, cats, dogs and otters among others) and is one of only two of these animals to have a prehensile tail. The other is the Kinkajou of South America.
Habitat
Binturongs are naturally found in north-eastern India, Burma, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, Philippines, Sumatra and Java. Using their bushy tails for balance and support, Binturongs spend most of their time wandering treetops in the dense forests of South-east Asia, often at night, to find their food.
Breeding
Binturongs are generally solitary, preferring to hang out on their own. Some will form small, family groups however, and the female is nearly always the boss! When Binturongs are ready to mate they will signal to other Binturongs using their scent.
Display Status
Our Amazing Binturong(s) are currently on displayBinturong Zoo News
» Adopt An Animal - Meet Terri And Bindi!
» Introducing Pip And Jaya!
Our Binturong
Binturong Profiles
Jaya
Age: 7 Years (DOB 20/10/2005)
Sex: Male
Meet our gorgeous little Binturong boy! He is the youngest and certainly the shyest of our two Binturongs. His elder sister Pip, is outgoing and confident, while this boy is very reserved.
When Jaya and Pip joined the Zoo crew in September 2009, moving all the way from Victoria, it took this little Binturong boy some time to relax in his new environment. When he gained the courage to emerge from his den, he cautiously explored his enclosure and discovered he was surrounded by lush gardens, a beautiful waterfall and lots of nice rocky ledges to sleep on. Not so bad at all!
Pip
Age: 8 Years (DOB 4/12/2004)
Sex: Female
Pip, our quietly confident binturong, became a proud addition at Australia Zoo, along with her little brother Jaya on 18 September 2009. She settled in to her enclosure almost immediately and is an absolutely delightful and outgoing little girl.
This little binturong loves her food, especially mango! She will follow her keepers anywhere as long as they have some sweet fruit for her to munch on.
