Good Mews! Endangered Ocelot Kitten Born at ABQ BioPark
The kitten is healthy, energetic, and is a delight to all who see him.
ABQ BioPark is thrilled to share that a pouncing baby boy was born on April 28 to resident ocelots Lucy and Raif!
Ocelots are medium-sized spotted wild cats native to Mexico, Central and South America, and portions of the southwestern United States. The kitten was named “Inti” after the Incan sun god—a name that felt fitting for such a bright new addition to the BioPark family.
“He's doing really well and is very curious and playful,” said BioPark carnivore care specialist Hannah Gardner, who was the first to find Inti when he was born. “He's starting to explore the habitat a lot more, so guests are more likely to see him now.”
Lucy’s pregnancy was confirmed on April 17 to the delight of her care team. In the United States, ocelots are listed as federally endangered, so every new birth is a win for this amazing species. They once roamed throughout the Southwest, but today there are only a few highly fragmented and isolated groups living in southern Texas.
“Lucy has been a very good mother,” said Hannah. “She's attentive and protective of Inti, which is exactly what we hope to see.”
The first six weeks or so after Inti was born were spent behind-the-scenes in a cozy, private nest box where Lucy could quietly care for him. Now, about eight weeks later, Inti is starting to venture out into the public habitat with Lucy, giving guests a chance to catch a glimpse of him.
Inti the ocelot during his first venture out into the public-facing habitat. He was about 6 weeks old at the time.
“Inti is everything you'd expect from a young ocelot. He’s energetic, curious, playful, and always eager to explore,” said Hannah. “At first, he stayed close to Lucy’s side, but he's now becoming more independent and has even started to climb a bit.”
Now that he’s out and about, the carnivore care team is starting to work on building a trusting relationship with Inti. To do this, they have started going into the habitat with him briefly while Lucy is away eating to get Inti comfortable with the team.
“This will help us to provide him the best possible care throughout his life. It sets the foundation for things like voluntary training that will allow him to participate in his own healthcare,” said Hannah.
We can't wait for everyone to meet Inti and follow along as this little kitten continues to grow! Be sure to keep an eye out for him during your next visit to Running Wild at ABQ BioPark Zoo.