Staff at the Curragh’s Wildlife Park are mourning the passing of one of the Park’s much loved residents ‘Benny’.
Benny, who was a male fishing cat has called the Curraghs his home for many years and was a favourite with visitors.
Announcing his passing, park officials said that Benny had been diagnosed with osteoarthritis last year which he received pain relief for, however he suddenly went off his food and before an investigative aesthesia could be done, he passed away
A full post mortem will be carried out as with all their animals which die, however the park said that Benny was twelve and half years old and the average life span is ten to twelve years for fishing cats.
The Park is still home to “Diane” who is their female fishing cat. Diane is also elderly as she will turning twelve this year.
Diane is another favourite with staff and officials and although she is reaching a good old age, they are very much missed when they are gone.
Endangered Species
The Curraghs Wildlife Park are hoping to become home to more fishing cats.
We hope the studbook (EEP) for this species will identify some younger cats ready to leave their parents and come here, as we would really like to continue with this endangered species at the Park.
Curraghs Wildlife Park
Conservation Fund
In 2021 the Park’s Conservation fund contributed over £3,500 to the Urban Fishing Cat Project – monitoring and protecting the species in Sri Lanka.
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