Drusillas Park Marks World Binturong Day by Sharing Eye-Opening Facts and a Conservation Call

This World Binturong Day (Saturday, 9 May), Drusillas Park is paying tribute on one of the rainforest’s most unusual species - the binturong- while urging the public to think twice about the hidden cruelty behind so-called ‘civet coffee’ or Kopi Luwak.

Often nicknamed the ‘bearcat’ thanks to its bear-like face and cat-like movements, the binturong is a truly extraordinary species. Yet despite their uniqueness, they remain largely unknown and increasingly under threat. Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, populations are believed to have declined by more than 30% in recent decades due to habitat loss, hunting, and exploitation linked to the civet coffee trade.

Drusillas is currently home to a thriving family of five binturongs: dad Niffler, mum Dora, and their three young; Boots, born in August last year, and twins Sabang and Bunga, born this January. Visitors to the park can regularly spot the playful youngsters tumbling together, play fighting, and even hanging upside down using their remarkable tails.

The births are part of the vital European Endangered Species Programme, which helps safeguard the future of threatened species through carefully managed zoo populations.

Drusillas head keeper, Gemma Romanis said: "People really need to know more about binturongs if we’re going to protect them. They’re one of the animals we get asked about most, simply because so many visitors have never heard of them or aren’t quite sure what they are. It’s such a shame, because they’re absolutely incredible, with some truly unique traits which we wanted to share with the public this World Binturong Day.”

“For starters, binturongs are vital to their rainforest homes. They’re one of the only animals able to disperse large fig seeds, and figs are what we call a ‘keystone species’ - so many other animals rely on them for food. Without binturongs, entire ecosystems would start to struggle.”

She continued: “They’re also one of the very few carnivorous mammals with a prehensile tail; essentially a tail that can grip like a hand. It acts almost as a fifth limb, helping them climb, balance, and even hang from branches as they move through the treetops.”

“Astonishingly, female binturongs can also delay their pregnancy, a process called delayed implantation, so they can give birth when conditions are just right, giving their young the best possible chance of survival. And finally, the fact that always surprises people most- they smell like popcorn! They use scent to communicate, and the markings they leave behind have a scent many people say is just like buttered popcorn.”

By sharing the remarkable facts about this little-known species, Drusillas hopes to shine a light on the very real and growing threat binturongs face from the production of Kopi Luwak. Often marketed as one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive coffees, these beans are collected after being eaten and excreted by civets, and increasingly, binturongs.

While some producers claim the beans are foraged from the wild, the reality is far more concerning. Surging global demand has driven the rise of intensive farming practices, where animals are captured from the wild, confined to small cages, and force-fed coffee cherries in poor conditions, causing significant harm to both their welfare and wild populations.

Drusillas is working to raise awareness of this issue through its charity, Drusillas Conservation in Action and partnership with The Civet Project. Together, they support initiatives such as the Civet One Health project, which aims to tackle exploitation in the civet coffee industry through education, farmer engagement, and policy advocacy in Southeast Asia.

To mark World Binturong Day, Drusillas will be hosting a special educational workshop for visitors, highlighting the plight of binturongs and civets and what can be done to help.

In addition, 50% of all coffee sales and 50% of all binturong plush purchases at the Park will be donated directly to The Civet Project, helping to fund critical conservation efforts.

Gemma continued: “Binturongs are fascinating animals that many people have never even heard of. By celebrating World Binturong Day, we hope to change that - while also drawing attention to the threats they face in the wild, particularly from the civet coffee trade. The more people understand what’s behind products like Kopi Luwak, the more we can reduce demand and protect these incredible animals.”

To find out more and support the Civet Project go to: The Civet Project

For more information on Drusillas Conservation in Action go to: Drusillas Conservation in Action