TACOMA, Wash. — A kinkajou that was found abandoned at a Yakima rest stop has now moved to his forever home at an accredited zoo on the East Coast, the Point Defiance Zoo (PDZ) announced.
The kinkajou received temporary care at Point Defiance Zoo for a few months after being discovered at the Selah Creek Rest Area in June. State officials said it's unclear if the animal was dropped off or if it escaped.
Upon the kinkajou's arrival at the zoo, he was found to be in good health, albeit aggressive and unreceptive to humans.
"He does not like people. He has an attitude. He has very sharp teeth," said Head Veterinarian Dr. Karen Wolf.
Kinkajous are nocturnal rainforest mammals known to live in tropical rainforests from southern Mexico through Brazil. They are small carnivores. They are technically legal to own but require federal permits to move across state lines. Selling any offspring would be illegal.
The animal could not stay at Point Defiance because they did not have an enclosure suitable for him.
The zoo said the kinkajou's survival is a testament to the efforts of state wildlife law enforcement and zoo staff, and also highlights "the dangers of the illegal pet trade," in a post on X.
"Despite their cuteness, kinkajous do not make good pets," the post reads.
PDZ said they would share more information once the kinkajou's "forever home" announces his arrival.
