Breeding hope as rare fossa arrives at zoo from US

The cat-like mammal, native to Madagascar, is under threat due to deforestation

A rare male fossa has arrived at Chester Zoo from America as part of an international breeding programme to protect the species from extinction.

The seven-year-old fossa, named Zaza, has travelled from an enclosure in San Diego after being genetically matched with the zoo's female fossa, Shala.

Native to Madagascar, the long-tailed, cat-like mammal is a highly threatened species with fewer than 2,500 estimated to remain in the wild.

Chester Zoo's head of mammals Mark Brayshaw said the move was "an important part of the international effort to ensure this wonderful and unique species is safeguarded long into the future".

Zaza has arrived at Chester Zoo as part of an international breeding programme

Conservationists in Chester have worked alongside international partners in Madagascar to protect habitats on the island for over 15 years.

Female Shala, who arrived in Chester in 2018, previously had a litter of pups with former mate Isalo and has also been part of a project to monitor mating calls.

Her mating call was recorded and analysed to help researchers in the rainforests of Madagascar to identify when female fossas are looking for mates in the wild and identify the best environments for breeding.

Fewer than 2,500 fossas are estimated to remain in the wild

Females only come into season once a year for a two-week period when the usually-silent species become very vocal.

Keeper Jack Cunningham, a member of the Carnivore team at Chester Zoo, said the pair will be introduced slowly.

Lucy Pearson, a keeper at San Diego Zoo, said Zaza was a "very energetic and well-tempered" fossa and "the bravest of the four pups in his litter due to his curious personality".

Fellow keeper Candice Dymek said while it was "hard to say goodbye" to Zaza the zoo was "excited at the potential for him to sire pups and grow the European fossa population, and to be a part of such a large collaboration that will continue to further conservation efforts in Madagascar".