In a narrative that began in 2016 and continues to captivate people’s hearts, a little young cat that was discovered wandering the streets of Thailand has become a symbol of hope for the endangered species that it belongs to. The lovable kitty drew the attention of a family in the neighbourhood as they were out on a stroll in the evening, which resulted in a chain of events that played out like a storybook.
After conducting a more thorough examination, the family came to the conclusion that this particular kitten was not like any other. The unique appearance of the animal inspired them to get in touch with The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), an organisation that is well-known for its commitment to the conservation of wildlife. WFFT responded quickly to do an assessment of the situation.
Following a comprehensive analysis, the organisation determined that the kitten was a fisher cat, a unique kind that is on the verge of extinction. These wild cats, which are indigenous to South and Southeast Asia, can grow to be twice as large as a typical cat and have a strong love for aquatic life, particularly when it comes to hunting and eating fish.
Because of the degradation of wetlands, fishing cats have been facing a grave threat to their very survival. Over the course of the last ten years, there has been a considerable decrease in the number of fishing cats population. Since 2016, they have been classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. They are found primarily in wetland environments, along rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, swamps, and mangroves.
The family was taken aback when they learned that the kitten had only recently left its mother’s care, and this revelation came just a few hours before they discovered it. The wildlife scientists at WFFT were perplexed by the peculiar desertion because it was not consistent with the regular behaviour of the breed under consideration.
Following the family’s decision to call the unique fishing cat Simba, they were allowed permission to care for him for a trial period. They were captivated by the charisma of the cat. In a short amount of time, Simba established a close connection with the family, and they maintained a careful watch, anticipating the mother’s return to retrieve her children.
Unfortunately, the mother did not show up again at any point.
In order to develop into a great fishing cat, Simba was bottle-fed and raised by his family, who are now providing him with loving care. Even if he has managed to survive and thrive, the fact that he is still alive is extremely important for the preservation of his species. Poaching and retaliation killing are important contributors to an alarming 84% death rate in Thailand, according to the World Federation of Fishing and Fishing Trades (WFFT), which highlights the dangers that fishing cats confront.
Both Simba’s amazing rescue and survival serve as a beacon of hope for his endangered breed, underscoring the significance of continuous efforts to conserve and preserve these remarkable creatures. Simba’s rescue and survival serve as a beacon of hope.
