A Pennsylvania Binturong’s Escape From Captivity Leads Him to Sanctuary

July 2002

A binturong, a nocturnal Asian bearcat, was found one morning, sleeping on a local couple’s front porch in Economy, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission took custody of the animal, who had been obtained and kept illegally. PETA contacted the game commission to recommend that permanent custody of the animal be given to a respected facility in Texas that provides lifetime care to a number of rescued animals. When game commission officials said that they were considering handing the animal over to a local binturong breeder, who profits from sending the animals to seedy displays all over the country, we provided documentation of neglect at the facility. Officials then informed PETA that the binturong would be allowed to live the rest of his life at the Texas facility. He now lives in an environment that closely resembles his natural habitat and enjoys the companionship of another binturong.