Regulars at Drusillas Park, Polegate, have started to ask the same question: is the whisper about a “bearcat” true, and when might families catch a glimpse? Staff say patience could pay off, because a careful routine now could turn into a rare viewing later this autumn.
A century-old wait ends in Polegate
On 8 August, during routine checks, keepers confirmed the arrival of a female binturong cub to parents Dora and Niffler. The zoo named the youngster Boots, and her birth marks the first time in a hundred years that Drusillas has welcomed this species. The team credits a calm pairing, meticulous introductions in spring, and quiet husbandry around the nest box.
Dora, who transferred from Frankfurt in April, has taken on nursing and guarding duties with steady focus. Niffler keeps his distance, which suits binturong behaviour in the wild, where fathers do not rear young. Staff report that Boots feeds, sleeps and chirrups from a hidden chamber, and that tell‑tale whiskers and bright eyes are already visible during brief checks.
Confirmed on 8 August: first binturong cub at Drusillas in a century, born to Dora and Niffler and nicknamed Boots.
Quiet signs keepers watch for
The team noticed Dora spending longer in her nest, shifting her weight carefully and vocalising less than usual. Those small changes pointed to a birth overnight. Since then, keepers have limited handling, relying on discreet observation to avoid stress. Milk feeds should run for around eight weeks, with soft foods introduced as chewing improves.
Milk phase about 8 weeks; first short ventures likely before the 3‑month mark, then bolder steps as confidence grows.
When could you actually see Boots
Binturong cubs remain tucked away for much of their first months. That means visitors will need timing, luck and realistic expectations. Activity peaks around dawn and dusk, and hot afternoons often bring long naps. The zoo may adjust viewing to protect the nest, especially while nursing continues.
- Weeks 1–4: expect near-total nesting; brief grooming moments may happen in shadowed corners.
- Weeks 5–8: watch for a nose or tail tip at the entrance, often at quieter times.
- Around 12 weeks: short, supervised explorations; keepers may open sightlines for a few minutes at a time.
- After weaning begins: more climbing practice, cautious sniffs of keeper-offered vegetables and fruit.
| Timeframe | What you might notice | Best chance to look |
|---|---|---|
| Now–8 weeks | Nursing, faint “popcorn” scent near nest, mother on guard | Early morning rounds or late afternoon |
| 8–12 weeks | Peeking, short steps outside, quick retreats | Cool, overcast days; post-rain calm |
| 3–6 months | Climbing drills, tastings of new foods, tail gripping practice | Dawn and dusk windows |
Why a bearcat matters to forests and people
Binturongs, sometimes called bearcats, belong to the civet family and live largely in the canopy. Their range stretches from India across Southeast Asia to Indonesia. The species carries a Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List due to logging, agricultural expansion, hunting and illegal trade. Fragmented forests limit movement and reduce breeding success.
Zoos like Drusillas join the EAZA breeding programme to keep a healthy, genetically diverse safety net. Each birth strengthens that network and supports public conversations about what happens far beyond Sussex: deforestation rates, responsible sourcing, and the impact of consumer choices on tropical habitats. A cub in Polegate connects directly to forest corridors thousands of miles away.
Listed as Vulnerable: shrinking habitats and wildlife trade pressure make every healthy cub in managed care count.
The science behind the “popcorn” whiff
Visitors often report a cinema‑like scent near binturongs. That aroma comes from compounds in their scent marks, including 2‑acetyl‑1‑pyrroline, which also occurs in baked bread and freshly popped corn. The smell travels along branches, signalling presence and status. For keepers, it is a practical indicator that Boots and her mother are active and marking in a typical way.
Inside the family: Dora, Niffler and a cub called Boots
Keepers describe Dora as even‑tempered with strong maternal focus. She controls access to the nest and positions herself as a barrier when visitors approach the viewing area. Previous success with cubs before arriving in the UK appears to help her manage feeding, grooming and temperature regulation. Niffler contributes by doing less: he avoids the den, lowers noise, and maintains a calm routine nearby.
Weaning will start with soft steamed vegetables and easy fruits. As jaw strength improves, carers add a broader omnivorous diet suited to the species. Measured weigh‑ins, hydration checks and mobility assessments guide portion sizes. Climbing frames will be set at cautious heights first, with routes that let a prehensile tail grip, pivot and reverse safely.
- Birth confirmed: 8 August
- Sex: female
- Parents: Dora (arrived April, from Frankfurt) and Niffler
- Nursing: approximately 8 weeks before gradual weaning
- First confident outings: around 3 months, if progress stays on track
- Life expectancy under care: often beyond 20 years with steady diets and healthcare
What to watch for on your visit
Small behaviours carry big clues. A slowly curling tail suggests balance practice. Short, purposeful sniffs show curiosity without stress. Rapid retreat to the den signals that viewing should pause. Keepers may provide short talks near feeding times, though the family’s schedule takes priority during early growth.
Best tip: look with your nose first. A warm, buttery scent near the nest often arrives before the cub does.
How your choices ripple to the canopy
Breeding programmes reduce risk for vulnerable species, but forests keep the future alive. Households can pick products that avoid deforestation, such as certified palm oil and sustainably sourced wood and paper. Support groups that protect Southeast Asian habitats and back efforts to curb illegal wildlife trade. At the zoo, adoption schemes help fund veterinary care, enrichment and specialised diets for species like binturongs.
Families planning a visit can build a learning moment around everyday decisions. Check labels on snacks and toiletries for responsible sourcing. Talk to children about the journey from tropical trees to kitchen cupboards. Ask keepers how enrichment mimics natural foraging, and how positive reinforcement training supports stress‑free health checks.
Extra context for curious minds
What makes a binturong so agile? The tail acts like a fifth limb. It grips a branch while the animal rotates or reverses, which prevents falls during fruit raids high in the canopy. That same agility helps spread seeds over long distances. Figs pass through the gut and drop into new gaps, supporting forest renewal after storms or logging.
Planning a sighting strategy? Aim for two 20‑minute waits rather than one long stake‑out. Choose an early slot within the first hour of opening and another near closing time. Bring quiet clothing, avoid tapping on glass or railings, and stand to the side of busy vantage points. Your silence reduces pressure on a mother guarding a small den.
If you want to go deeper
Risk to welfare rises when crowds linger too close to a nest. Keep an eye on body language: pinned ears, repeated retreats and sharp alarm calls tell you to step back. Advantage comes from distance; you gain better behaviour, more natural feeding and a higher chance of a relaxed appearance.
For young wildlife fans, try a simple field notebook. Note the time, weather, any scents, and what you saw, even if it was only Dora’s tail. Over several visits, you can map progress: first peek, first climb, first solid food. That record helps children understand growth stages and why keepers give animals space during fragile early weeks.
