Two binturong babies (Arctictis binturong) were born at Bandung Zoo in Indonesia’s West Java province, adding to the collection of animals nicknamed the bear cat at the zoo.

Bogor, West Java (Indonesia Window) – Two binturong babies (Arctictis binturong) were born at Bandung Zoo in Indonesia’s West Java province, adding to the collection of animals nicknamed the bear cat at the zoo.

The two binturong babies were born on April 17, 2025 from a female parent named ‘Bunder’ and a male parent ‘Bibi’.

The presence of these new family members is a source of pride, as well as new hope for conservation efforts for protected animals, especially binturongs, according to a press release received in Indonesia’s Bogor district, West Java province, Saturday.

Bandung Zoo Public Relations, Ully Rangkuti, said that the birth of the two binturong babies increased the number of binturong collections at Bandung Zoo to 33.

Bandung Zoo was named after Indonesia’s Bandung city in West Java province.

"Generally, in one delivery, binturong can give birth to 2-6 cubs. With a life expectancy of around 15 to 18 years. Each individual binturong plays an important role in maintaining the sustainability of the population," she explained.

Although often called 'bear cat' because of its combined appearance, binturong is actually related to civets. This mammal is the largest of the viverridae family, such as civets, linsangs, and others.

Binturong also has a distinctive body odor, similar to popcorn or pandan (pandanus). This aroma comes from the glands under the base of its tail and functions as a means of communication among individuals.

Population in nature

The population of binturong in nature continues to experience a drastic decline.

Based on data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the current conservation status of binturong is vulnerable. This decline is caused by several factors, such as hunting for the illegal wildlife trade, habitat destruction due to deforestation, and fragmentation of forests as its natural habitat.

In Indonesia, binturong is an endemic animal of Sumatra island, Kalimantan island, and a small part of Java island.

Although classified as a carnivore, binturong's diet is dominated by fruits and binturong plays an important role in helping to spread fruit seeds to various locations and support forest regeneration. They also help maintain the balance of small animal populations in their environment.

Bandung Zoo is fully committed to maintaining the balance of vulnerable or protected wildlife populations - including binturong - outside their natural habitat.

Captivity is not only aimed at increasing the number of individuals, but is also part of a broader conservation effort.

Bandung Zoo actively carries out careful population management, including genetic monitoring and animal exchange plans with other conservation institutions, to ensure the genetic sustainability and health of the binturong population in the long term.

This is also an anticipatory effort by Bandung Zoo to prevent overpopulation in the future, so that each individual binturong gets the best quality of life.

Reporting by Indonesia Window