A curious case of exotic animal rescue unfolded this weekend when a young kinkajou – a rainforest mammal native to Central and South America – was discovered at a rest stop in Yakima, and has now found temporary refuge at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The FOX 13 Seattle reports that the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium collaborated efficiently with state wildlife officials to secure the kinkajou's well-being.
"This kinkajou's survival is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state wildlife law enforcement and the Zoo" As reported by, FOX 13 Seattle, conveyed a post from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Although not threatened with extinction, kinkajous frequently become targets in the exotic pet trade and are hunted for their fur – a trend that imperils their population. The rescue effort was initiated after officers with the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife located the displaced honey bear, as the species is sometimes endearingly called.
As per a statement obtained by The Bellingham Herald, Becky Elder, a spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife, imparted, "Thankfully, they were willing to take it." Following consultation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Point Defiance Zoo became the designated haven for the wayward kinkajou. A drive estimated by Google Maps to take roughly 2 hours 40 minutes delivered the animal from its unexpected Yakima pit stop to the conservation-oriented facilities in Tacoma.
A young kinkajou was found abandoned at a rest stop in Yakima on Sunday, June 23. Rescued by the @WDFW Police, he will live temporarily at Point Defiance Zoo. Zoo staff quickly mobilized, working with state wildlife officials, to find a safe place for this rainforest mammal. 1/4 pic.twitter.com/XldLp3yuta
— Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (@PtDefianceZoo) June 25, 2024
In a post shared via Point Defiance Zoo's X, it was relayed that zoo staff quickly mobilized to create a secure environment for the kinkajou.
