Aspinall Foundation Welcome the Fossa

The Aspinall Foundations Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is the new home for one of Madagascar’s top predators – the fossa. These carnivorous, cat like creatures live on the island and are related to the Mongoose family.

The two fossa are male and female and called Ikongo and Sambava respectively. They were originally born in San Diego six years ago, but have joined the Aspinall Foundation from a private collection in Bath. The fossa is the largest predator on Madagascar and can grow to nearly six feet in length.

Head Of Small Carnivore Section, Neville Buck, said –

This is the first time that we have had fossa at Port Lympne and visitors will be able to see them in their new home in Carnivore Territory. The fossa is a well equipped hunter and not only relies on its retractable claws and sharp teeth, but also wields its long tail, to enable swift movement through tree branches.  Sadly, widespread deforestation across the island of Madagascar has dramatically reduced the population and the species is now classified as vulnerable.

Congratulations to everyone at the Port Lympne park on adding another mysterious animal to their already magnificent collection.