The young kinkajou, a nocturnal rainforest mammal, was found at the Selah Creek Rest Area on June 23.
TACOMA, Wash. — A kinkajou discovered abandoned at a rest stop in central Washington is now being cared for at Tacoma's Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.
The young kinkajou, a nocturnal rainforest mammal, was found at the Selah Creek Rest Area on June 23. State officials said it's unclear if it was dropped off or escaped.
Police with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued the kinkajou.
After arriving at Point Defiance Zoo, the kinkajou was quarantined at the zoo's animal hospital for onsite care. A wellness exam is expected sometime this week.
"This young kinkajou's survival is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state wildlife law enforcement and the Zoo, highlighting the dangers of the illegal pet trade," the zoo posted. "While kinkajous are not endangered, they are hunted for fur, meat, and the exotic pet trade, threatening their wild population."
The kinkajou will live at the zoo temporarily. It's unclear where it will be transferred to after.
Kinkajous are known to live in tropical rainforests from southern Mexico through Brazil. They are small carnivores. The zoo said that despite their "cuteness," they don't make good pets.
According to information from the Department of Fish and Wildlife, kinkajous are technically legal to own per state law. However, there would need to be federal permitting if the animal was moved across state borders and the sale of offspring would be illegal.
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