The Terra Natura Benidorm family of felines grows. Thanks to the conservation work carried out by the team of experts, they have managed to achieve a new reproduction between the ocelots (Leopardus pardalis). On this occasion, parents Ahmun and Selha have had two babies, whose sex has not been determined yet. With these two young, the zoo currently has 21 specimens of 5 different species of felines. Its population has been reduced in recent years due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat, as well as the illegal trafficking of this animal to use its skin.
At the moment, the team of Terra Natura Benidorm has only been able to perform a visual examination of the offspring to avoid a possible stress situation to the mother, which could lead to the rejection of the offspring. Through this observation it has been confirmed that both puppies have physical condition and that they suckle with normality. When time passes, another review will be made where they will be weighed and examined.
The ocelot females have a gestation that lasts between 79 and 85 days and their offspring usually weights between 200 and 340 grams more or less. Selha is attentive and careful with her two babies, she spends most of the time giving them warmth and food. On the contrary, father Ahmun don´t take part in the breeding, even in some cases the males of this species can attack their own offspring.
The offspring are now feeding on breast milk and when they grow six weeks, they will start to eat small pieces of meat. When they are one year old, they will become completely independent of their mother. These cats have a very developed sense of smell and sight, which allows them to locate, track and capture their prey, and also determines the limits of their territory.
Their binocular visual capacity allows them to hunt at night. These animals are able to communicate with other members of their species through chemical signals that demarcate the territories, and also through vocalizations that they use to attract and communicate with their partners for reproductive purposes.