Rare ‘bearcat’ that died in UK zoo to be frozen

An extremely rare ‘bearcat’ who died at UK zoo will be frozen to help protect the future population of the unique animal.

Penh, a ‘beloved’ Cambodian binturong who lived at Drusillas Park in East Sussex, died at the age of 18 on July 31.

Animal charity Nature’s SAFE will cryogenically preserve – or freeze – Penh in order to save his genetic footprint, including his sperm and skin cells.

He’s being preserved to help bolster the binturong population after it was confirmed his sperm could be used to breed more ‘bearcats’.

‘It felt very bittersweet,’ said Drusillas Park headkeeper Gemma. ‘I’ve worked with Penh for over a decade so although I felt sad, it was also a positive feeling knowing it wasn’t necessarily the end for him.

‘The team at Nature’s SAFE lab immediately tested Penh’s sperm sample and we had confirmation it was viable.’

The park added: ‘The loss of Penh is of great sadness, but through this collaboration, his genetic legacy will live on, contributing to the conservation of binturongs for years to come.

‘Together, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to witness the wonderful diversity of the natural world.’

Binturongs get their nickname as ‘bearcats’ purely based on their appearance and walking style – and are not actually closely related to either bears or cats.

Binturongs weigh anywhere from 11 to 36kg and females are typically bigger than males.

The species is considered ‘vulnerable’ which is one below endangered.