Some Big Bushy News

In June, the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo welcomed two new residents—Vivvy and Anton, a pair of binturongs (also known as bearcats) who came to us from Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville, Indiana. Longtime companions, they’ve raised many “bintlets” together and now call the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo home.

 

Vivvy, age 12, was born at the Prague Zoological Gardens in the Czech Republic, while Anton, age 14, hails from the Dortmund Zoo in Germany. Before moving to Indiana, the pair lived at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. We’re thrilled to offer them a new home in our beautifully refurbished former Kea exhibit—freshly painted, re-perched, and perfect for exploration.

 

So, what exactly is a binturong? Despite their nickname, bearcats are neither bears nor cats—they’re viverrids, members of the civet family native to South and Southeast Asia. With thick black fur, a long prehensile tail, and an unmistakable scent often compared to buttered popcorn, these tree-dwelling mammals are as fascinating as they are adorable. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, binturongs face threats from habitat loss and hunting.

 

Vivvy and Anton mark a new species for the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, and students and visitors have been enthralled with them since their arrival. We’re sure you will be too! Stop by their new home—across from the red pandas—and say hello. The zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.