Peekaboo!
A small raccoon-like mammal known as a kinkajou was rescued after being found climbing a road post in Washington earlier this week. The nocturnal animal is native to tropical rainforests and was once a popular exotic pet owned by Paris Hilton.
According to a photo posted Monday by the Washington State Department of Transportation on X, the rescued kinkajou was spotted peeking around a wooden signpost at a rest area in East Serra, Yakima County.
The agency said it was unclear whether the kinkajou, also known as Honey Bear, had been abandoned there or had escaped, but it was later taken to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ veterinary clinic for a comprehensive health check.
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A small raccoon-like mammal known as a kinkajou was rescued this week after being found climbing a post on a dusty road in Washington state. (Washington State Department of Transportation I SGranitz/WireImage)
“We are awaiting the results of diagnostic tests, including comprehensive blood work, to fully evaluate his health,” the zoo said in a Facebook post showing a short video of the exam.
Head veterinarian Dr. Cullen said the young kinkajou was in good overall health but very underweight, weighing just 2.5 pounds. He has a good appetite and staff are feeding him a complete and healthy diet, the zoo said in a post.
“The survival of this young kinkajou is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state wildlife law enforcement and the zoo, and highlights the dangers of the illegal pet trade,” the post added.
The zoo said kinkajous are not endangered but are hunted for their fur, meat and the exotic pet trade, threatening wild populations. Kinkajou skins are often used to make wallets and horse saddles.
Paris Hilton bitten by pet kinkajou
A small, tree-hugging “kinkajou” was rescued this week after being found climbing a post on a dusty Washington road. (Washington State Department of Transportation Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, right)
Kinkajous, which live in the rainforests of southern Mexico and Brazil, are small carnivores with prehensile tails and are often mistakenly called primates, the zoo said.
Kinkajous have sandy-colored fur, round heads, large dark eyes, short, pointy noses, and short limbs. Adult kinkajous weigh about 10 pounds and grow to lengths of up to 52 inches. They feed on fruits, roots, shoots, nuts, and seeds.
“Despite their cuteness, kinkajous do not make good pets,” the zoo said, but that didn’t stop socialite Hilton from keeping one.
The influencer and activist has previously been photographed holding a kinkajou, whom she has named “Baby Love.”
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San Francisco Zoo Education Specialist Amy Goodwin holds a kinkajou named Harley during an event at the San Francisco Zoo’s Willie Woo Woo Wong Chinese Playground on February 17, 2016. (Leah Millis/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Baby Love bit Hilton on the arm in 2006, causing her to go to hospital where she received treatment for the wound and a tetanus shot.
According to the National Institutes of Health, if you’re bitten by a kinkajou, you should get the usual tetanus and rabies vaccinations and have the wound cleaned. In most cases, you’ll also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent cellulitis or osteomyelitis from developing.
Paris Hilton attended the 2023 LACMA Art + Film Gala held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 4, 2023 in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/LACMA via Getty Images)
The zoo said the kinkajou is recuperating at the zoo while officials search for a permanent home.
