Dr. Chloe Wilde is our wildlife biologist. She studied ecology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Her favorite topic of study is conservation. Dr. Wilde is passionate about learning about and teaching others about how they can help wild cat populations, including reducing their use of products with palm oil in them. Though Carolina Tiger Rescue does not have any, Dr. Wilde’s favorite animal to study is the clouded leopard.
Dr. Wilde’s Blog 3/25/20
Today is a special day for someone in the sanctuary! It is Wednesday Kinkajou’s 32nd birthday! Kinkajous are a small South American relative of the raccoon. Like raccoons, kinkajous are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Kinkajous startle easily and are very aggressive. On our aggression scale at Carolina Tiger Rescue, they are a level 4, the same level as the big cats and cougars! When provoked or for defense, kinkajous can use their long, sharp claws and teeth to fight off attackers. As a result, they earned themselves the nickname “the Devil’s Teddy Bear.” Despite this aggressive nature, kinkajous have become popular in the pet trade.
Wednesday Kinkajou was a private pet before coming to Carolina Tiger Rescue. Wednesday was declawed by her former owner in an attempt to make her “safer.” She continued to show her wild side by biting her owner and was eventually surrendered to us. She now enjoys life in a peaceful, off tour enclosure. Wednesday is our oldest animal and likes her sleep, but don’t let that fool you! She is still very much a wild animal. She has a feisty side and can be very dangerous if provoked or frightened. We love Wednesday and her kinkajou spunk and hope she has a great birthday with one or two of her favorite treats!