May 13, 2021

Two New Additions Bolster BFC Program

Fossil Rim is proud to announce the birth of two black-footed cat (BFC) kittens!

“On April 1, our black-footed cat ‘Afryea’ gave birth to a female named ‘Tad’ and a male named ‘Smidgen,’” said Carnivore Specialist Tessa Townsend. “A tad is 1/4 of a teaspoon, while a smidgen is 1/32 of a teaspoon, so we thought these two small units of measure were very fitting for the two small kittens. Afryea has been taking great care of them and they are growing bigger and bigger by the day; well, as big as a BFC kitten can get.

“Afryea” means business when anyone comes near her kittens, but the three-and-a-half-year-old black-footed cat has proven to be an excellent mother.

“Afryea is three-and-a-half years old and has lived at Fossil Rim since April 2018, when she was transferred here from Hogle Zoo (Utah). Her breeding partner ‘Morgan’ came to Fossil Rim from Oklahoma City Zoo in November 2014 and was one of the first black-footed cats to live at Fossil Rim. The two were introduced in February 2021 and got along well from the start.

Compared to other litters, the 2021 black-footed cat kittens are easier to distinguish. The female “Tad” (bottom) has a darker head and is a bit smaller than her brother “Smidgen.”

“Afryea is proving to be an excellent mother once again and this was Morgan’s first successful breeding. He is a very genetically valuable male, so we were very excited that he was finally able to sire a litter!

“In the past, our black-footed cat kittens have been pretty indistinguishable, but that hasn’t been the case with this litter. Tad has a very dark head and is a bit smaller than her brother Smidgen.

“At six weeks old, they weigh between 450 to 550 grams, which is just over one pound. Their eyes have been fully open since they turned one week old, and they are just starting to venture out and explore their yard.”

The black-footed cat has a population classification of “Vulnerable” with a decreasing trend.

-Tessa Townsend, Carnivore Specialist 


Tags


You may also like

Vote for your favorite safari park!

Vote for your favorite safari park!
  • Thank you for the birth announcement if these two beauties! We arrived at FR on Good Fridsy and spent the night in Safaricabin, Rhino. Unfortunately, we were unable to see the black footed cat. Seeing these pictures is wonderful!

    • No problem! Yes, that part of the park has been closed. We will definitely announce when changes are made.

  • Beautiful little babies!!!❤️❤️ Was wondering if their eyes change color as they get older?? Ref. Their mother’s eyes are golden and not this beautiful blue??!!

  • I love Fossil Rim!!! Congratulations on your new kitties… they are absolutely beautiful!!!
    I do not live in Texas any longer but… when I get back to Texas I always make it a point to visit you!!
    Thank you so much for the wonderful work your are doing!! ❤️

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

    Get in touch

    Name*
    Email*
    Message
    0 of 350
    >