STINKING CUTE – HEART-MELTING BABY SKUNKS STEAL THE SHOW AT PAIGNTON ZOO
Paignton Zoo have welcomed an adorable pair of striped skunk sisters and visitors are already smitten. The fluffy duo arrived from Millets Wildside in Oxfordshire – where they were born just over two months ago – on Monday 9 July. The zoo’s keeper team will be keeping a close eye on the youngsters as they settle into their new home opposite the zoo’s Baboon Rock exhibit.
Sam Gray, Team Leader of Mammals, commented:
“These baby skunks are incredibly endearing with their fluffy coats and curious nature. We’re not surprised to see how quickly they’ve become firm favourites with our visitors!”
While skunks are naturally nocturnal, visitors have the best chance of spotting the sisters during feeding times when their appetite brings them out into the open. The new enclosure, located beside the Education Centre, gives visitors a chance to learn more about these often-misunderstood animals up close.
Those worried about the species’ infamous reputation can relax – skunks only use their spray defence when genuinely threatened, and it takes days for the gland to refill so they use it sparingly. At their young age, the kits might occasionally spray by accident or when over-excited, but visitors might also get to see their amusing foot-stomping display when they’re trying to appear intimidating.
The as-yet-unnamed duo will also soon be the stars of their own naming competition, where visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite names for the pint-sized pair. More details about this will be announced on Paignton Zoo’s social media pages.
The skunk enclosure adds to the zoo’s diverse collection of fascinating animals, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to observe and learn more about the many fascinating creatures from around the world.