Kinkajous are many things — nocturnal, carnivous and a close relative of the raccoon. One thing they are not, however, is a Yakima local.
But one notion-defying kinkajou temporarily underwent residency at a nearby rest area north of Yakima off of U.S. 97.
Washington State Department of Transportation reported the sighting on X, formerly known as Twitter.
It was spotted Sunday, and after Washington State Patrol troopers called for support, officials from Washington Department Fish and Wildlife came to the rescue, said WDFW communications manager Becky Elder.
Kinkajous, members of the procyonid family which also includes raccoons and coatis, are native to Central and South America and enjoy tropical rainforest climates.
“We don’t tend to see as many exotic animals but it does occur,” Elder said.
After retrieving the creature, WDFW officials made contact with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which then coordinated with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma for a drop-off.
Following the westward trip, the kinkajou, who was described as male and young, underwent a wellness exam. He found some temporary relief there as he will be staying at the zoo for the time-being while officials work to find a long-term home for the animal.
Elder said the kinkajou’s story is a successful one, but not all animal sightings end positively. The department gets a lot of calls about abandoned animals so owners can avoid surrendering them.
“It’s not fair to the animals themselves, and it could also impact the wildlife native to the area,” she said. “Thankfully, we were able to provide this little guy safe passage to the zoo.”
Source link : https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/kinkajou-native-to-central-and-south-america-rescued-from-yakima-area-rest-stop/article_2b1e1ae8-3344-11ef-bc3e-fbd0387ee1ce.amp.html
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Publish date : 2024-06-25 21:00:00
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