This
heartwarming story from 2016 is too delightful not to share. In Thailand, a
tiny newborn kitten was spotted wandering the streets alone. A nearby family,
out for an evening stroll, noticed the little one and decided to help.
Upon
closer inspection, they realized this was no ordinary cat, as it looked
different from any other kittens they had seen. The family contacted the
Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), an animal organization, which
quickly sent a representative to examine the animal.
After
a thorough investigation, the group determined that the animal was a fishing
cat, a rare and endangered species.
This
"wild cat" has a love for aquatic life and can grow to be twice the
size of a typical domestic cat. It is particularly fond of hunting and eating
fish, which is how it got its name.
According
to Wikipedia, the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized wild
cat native to South and Southeast Asia. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the
IUCN Red List since 2016. The species faces a significant threat from the loss
of wetlands, leading to a drastic decline in their population over the past
decade. Fishing cats are typically found near wetlands, such as swamps,
mangroves, oxbow lakes, and along rivers and streams.
WFFT
discovered that the kitten had only been out of the womb for a few hours when
the family found him. The organization’s experts were puzzled by how the mother
could have abandoned her newborn, as this behavior is unusual for the species.
The
unique cat quickly won over the family, who were granted permission to keep him
for a trial period. They named him Simba, and it was clear that he felt a
strong bond with the household.
The
family kept a watchful eye out for the kitten's mother, expecting her return at
any moment to search for her young.
Regretfully,
it never took place.
Instead,
the family nursed Simba themselves, and he grew into a magnificent fishing cat.
Thankfully, Simba is alive and thriving as of now, but it's essential that he
continues to grow and develop.
According
to the WFFT, poaching and retaliation killing are the primary causes behind
Thailand's alarming 84% mortality rate among Fishing Cats. Therefore, Simba's
survival and rescue are not only miraculous but also crucial for the
preservation of his species.
You
can find a video showcasing more rescued kittens here. While they may not be
fishermen, they are still incredibly adorable.
Just
like humans, animals are living beings, and their presence is vital for the
balance of nature. If you agree, please consider sharing this story!
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