Abilene Zoo Welcomes Litter of Fasso Pups

Fossas are the largest carnivores on the island of Madagascar, where they feed on a varieties of mammals, including lemurs. They typically hunt and live alone. Like most species on Madagascar, fossas are threatened by habitat loss. Like many carnivores, fossa sleep for many hours of each day, so our fossa is often seen napping. Check the shady spots on warmer days and the sunny patches on cooler days.

While they resemble cats, fossas actually belong to the Family Eupleridae, a group of carnivores found only on Madagascar. The fossa’s tail makes up about half of its overall length, which can be up to 6 feet. Females weigh between 11 and 15 pounds, and males weigh between 13 and 22 pounds. Fossas are usually entirely nocturnal in the vicinity of human settlements, possibly as a result of hunting and competition with domestic dogs. They are hunted by humans for food and to eliminate predation on livestock.

Fassos were featured in the film Madagascar. They were the antagonist at the end of the movie. For the best scene see the video below!