Fossas, the largest carnivores native to Madagascar, present unique husbandry challenges in zoos due to their solitary nature, large territory requirements, and specialized diet.
Fossas in captivity require spacious enclosures with substantial climbing infrastructure and opportunities to express predatory behavior through enrichment. Their solitary nature means that pair housing requires careful management and ample space for separation. Diet enrichment using whole prey items supports natural hunting motivation and physical conditioning. Conservation breeding programs are vital given their restricted and declining wild habitat.