Binturongs, or bearcats, are large Southeast Asian civets with prehensile tails. Their specialized arboreal lifestyle and dietary needs require careful management in zoo settings.
Binturongs in zoos require extensive climbing structures — without vertical space to explore and rest elevated, their welfare deteriorates rapidly. As largely nocturnal animals, their activity peaks after public visiting hours, creating a mismatch between animal behavior and human viewing expectations. Lighting schedules should be managed to support natural rhythms. Diet must be carefully varied: binturongs require fruits, vegetables, small vertebrates, and invertebrates to meet nutritional needs and provide behavioral diversity. Obesity is a welfare risk in animals with restricted movement relative to their wild range. Positive reinforcement training facilitates veterinary care without chemical restraint. Their solitary nature means social groupings must be carefully managed to prevent aggression.