Děčín Zoo has experienced a significant surge in successful births among wild cat species this summer. Within a single month, the facility welcomed offspring from three distinct species: fishing cats, margays, and caracals.
The birth of a margay is particularly notable, marking the first successful breeding of this species at the zoo in nearly 27 years. Zoologist Petr Haberland noted that the zoo had previously struggled with incompatible pairs or animals waiting long periods for mating. The margay offspring was born to a nine-year-old male and a fifteen-year-old female; the male is part of a European conservation program and is shared with the Poznań Zoo in Poland.
Additionally, two caracal kittens were born. While a previous caracal birth this winter resulted in the loss of both kittens to infection, the current offspring are described as vital and healthy. Two fishing cat kittens were also born in late June. Veterinarians have recently completed initial vaccinations and health checks for the new arrivals.