Shaldon Wildlife Trust celebrates birth of rare margay kitten

Shaldon Wildlife Trust is celebrating the arrival of a healthy female margay kitten, born on October 13, marking a significant step in efforts to conserve this elusive wild cat species. After spending her first weeks under the care of her mother, Lucia, the kitten has recently begun to emerge, delighting staff and visitors alike.

The margay (Leopardus wiedii), a small, nocturnal wild cat native to the dense forests of Central and South America, is listed as a species of conservation concern. Habitat loss and illegal pet trade have severely impacted their populations, making every birth in captivity crucial to their survival.

The kitten, now named Juliet in honour of Julie Matthews, a former Shaldon Wildlife Trust employee and trustee who recently passed away, is thriving under the watchful care of her experienced mother, Lucia. Juliet is Lucia’s fourth kitten, and her father, Harley, also plays an important role in the trust’s conservation programme.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the arrival of this little one,” said Zak Showell, Director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust. “Margays are incredibly special animals, and every new birth is an important milestone in raising awareness about their conservation status. Beyond caring for this species at the zoo, we actively support wild margay conservation through our partners in Panama, CREA.”

Margays are part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA) breeding programme, which is dedicated to preserving the genetic diversity of vulnerable species. The programme also serves as an educational tool to inform the public about the natural behaviour, habitat, and threats faced by margays.

In the wild, margays are known for their remarkable agility, often referred to as the “climbing cats” of the rainforest due to their ability to leap between branches and climb headfirst down trees. However, deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade continue to threaten their survival.

The decision to name the kitten Juliet pays tribute to Julie Matthews’ dedication to conservation and her contributions to the trust. Her legacy lives on in this new life and the trust’s continued efforts to protect endangered species.

Visitors to Shaldon Wildlife Trust can now catch glimpses of Juliet as she grows and develops. The trust is also committed to sharing updates on her milestones through their social media channels for those unable to visit in person.

The public is encouraged to support Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s ongoing work by visiting the zoo or contributing to their conservation efforts. By witnessing the story of Juliet and learning about margays, visitors can play a part in preserving these beautiful creatures for future generations.

For more information and updates, visit Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s official website or follow their social media channels.