It name sounds like its from Pokemon and Paris Hilton had one, but what exactly is a Kinkajou?

The kinkajou is as cute as they come, with their fluffy brown coats and big wide eyes. It’s also known as the honey bear, adding to its Pooh-bear-esq adorability. But do not let this fuzzy exterior fool you, as the Kinkajous long claws and razor sharp teeth, give this cuddly creature a nasty bite.

The kinkajou’s appearance is fairly unique, making it difficult to compare to other animals. Frequent, strained references are made linking them to monkeys and ferrets although it is related to the raccoon and the coati. They are only found in the rainforests and wooden areas of Central and South America, and are not thought to be a threatened species.

The kinkajou is roughly the size of a large adult cat, though slender in appearance, and weighs 2-3kg (4-7lb). One of the most distinctive features of a kinkajou is its tail which is similar in length to the rest of its body (17-22inches), and is incredibly strong. Kinkajous like to eat and sleep hanging from a branch by their tails. A disgruntled kinkajou can be made quite docile by holding it upside down by its tail.

Kinkajous are nocturnal animals and are rarely seen during the day, other than in captivity. They live for around 23 years although ages as high as 40 have been recorded. In the wild they mainly eat native fruit from the jungle and plant nectar, which they extract with their long thin tongues (around 5inches), or by simply eating the flower. Their sharp teeth and claws allow them to crack the tough skins of some fruits, provide defence against predators, and can be used to kill prey. The kinkajou is an omnivore, although it prefers eating fruit.

When had raised from birth, a kinkajou can become a docile and playful animal. They have been known to attack their owners, apparently for no reason, even after years of living with people. Although illegal to have as a pet in Ecuador, many people and businesses take kinkajous from the jungle to keep in their homes and restaurants. When kinkajous are brought to Wayra Urku, they are kept in groups wherever possible, although they seem equally content on their own. In groups they quickly form hierarchies and those not accepted into the group can be badly hurt or killed by fighting. Through learning from each other, and the protection they gain by living in groups, the rehabilitation process of kinkajous is fairly quick, allowing Wayra Urku to release many kinkajous back into the wild.