Three Black-Footed Cats Born at Philadelphia Zoo
-- (June 12, 2014) – Philadelphia Zoo is pleased to welcome three black-footed cat kittens to its animal family. Born on April 8th
to 9-year-old female, Aza, and 8-year-old male, Ascari, the kittens -- two males, Drogon and Viserion, and one female, Rhaegal -- are the first black-footed cats ever born at Philadelphia Zoo.
Ascari, born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, and Aza, born at Central Florida Zoological Park, came to Philadelphia Zoo in October 2011 on a breeding recommendation from the Species Survival Plan (SSP). Aza has had several litters born at Kansas City Zoo, but this is her first litter of three. Breeding is common for this species through the spring months, and gestation typically lasts between 60 and 68 days.
Named after dragons in the popular book turned HBO series, Game of Thrones
, the kittens have nearly doubled in weight from their 1-month checkup to their 2-month checkup, which also included vaccinations and reapplication of identifying dye marks. The heaviest of the three, Drogon, now weighs approximately 747 grams (slightly under 27 ounces). Fully grown, their mother and father each weigh only 4.5 pounds. They are obligate carnivores, eating a diet consisting exclusively of meat.
The black-footed cat is the smallest cat in Africa, and one of the smallest cats in the world – even smaller than domestic cats. These small but mighty cats are terrestrial and crepuscular, which means they are active at dusk and dawn. In the wild, black-footed cats have a lifespan of 10 to13 years, and can live up to 15 years in zoos.
Like most cat species, with the exception of lions and cheetahs, black-footed cats prefer a solitary lifestyle except during child rearing. Mothers raise kittens without the father until they become fully independent. This can occur anywhere between three and 12 months.
“It’s an honor to be one of only 19 zoos in the country to have black-footed cats in our collection,” says Tammy Schmidt, Curator of Carnivores and Ungulates. “So it’s an incredibly exciting time as well as a learning experience for us. Each day we are observing and gaining a better understanding of how this species behaves and matures, and it is a joy to be a part of the process.”
Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal have quickly become a guest favorite, and their photos are driving visitor traffic to the Carnivore Kingdom exhibit they share with Aza. Their arrival is particularly meaningful for their keeper, Ken Pelletier, “It means a lot for me as a cat keeper,” says Pelletier, who works with species including cheetahs, Canada lynx and the black-footed cat family. “This is probably the most exciting thing for me in my 20 years at Philadelphia Zoo.”
For more information or to purchase Zoo tickets visit www.PhiladelphiaZoo.org
About Philadelphia Zoo:
America's first zoo and one of the region's foremost conservation organizations, the Philadelphia Zoo is home to nearly 1,300 animals, many rare and endangered. By connecting people with wildlife, the Philadelphia Zoo creates joyful discovery and inspires action for animals and habitats. The Philadelphia region’s leading family destination, the Zoo welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors last year. The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information on the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as to purchase and print tickets online, visit us at www.philadelphiazoo.org
. Philadelphia Zoo is a non-smoking facility.