Tallinn Zoo seeks new home for escape-prone binturongs

Tallinn Zoo is looking for a new home for two binturongs, Maimu and Maru, after repeated escape attempts. The zoo’s search was reported by ERR.

The brother and sister were moved away from their parents in mid-September to a separate enclosure covered with netting. Within a few weeks, Maimu found a way out: the pair pushed under the net, stretched it and squeezed through.

Maimu climbed near the ceiling and stayed there for days. Her brother followed, but did not climb as high. Zoo staff were able to coax him back, and he briefly reunited with his parents, said senior keeper Tiiu Ramst.

Rescuers were called, but their ladder could not reach 13.5 metres. Electricians who work at height on masts eventually helped bring Maimu down.

The binturongs are now in a metal cage designed for birds, which the zoo believes will prevent further escapes. It offers enough height and climbing space, but puts the animals close to visitors. Ramst said that could be a drawback because they may not want to be so near people. Maru has settled in, while Maimu remains unhappy and tries to hide.

The zoo does not expect the pair to stay in Tallinn much longer. Collection manager Hendrik Kuusk said the zoo had planned for them to move on when they turned two. Finding a new home is difficult because binturongs are an endangered species and need conditions similar to those in a tropical house, which are not available in many places.

Tallinn Zoo is the only zoo in the Baltic and Nordic countries where visitors can see binturongs. Two private European zoos have expressed interest, but arranging an animal exchange with them is more complicated.