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Rare cats ready for stardom at Birmingham Nature Centre
Nov 14 2008 by Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail
ARE they cats or are they leopards? In fact theyre two ocelots who have just become the latest addition to Birmingham Nature Centre after moving from Port Lympne Zoo in Kent. The exotic looking pair are guaranteed to be crowd pullers once they settle in at the Pershore Road centre.
The cats, also known as Painted Leopards, are part of an international breeding programme.
Animal charity fund raiser Beryl Romano, who runs Harborne-based A1 Petline, has funded the new arrivals.
She said: They are visually stunning creatures who have been an endangered species for quite some time because many were slaughtered over the years for their beautiful fur.
At least this pair will be safe at the centre and hopefully prove to be star attractions.
Their new enclosure consists of a large climbing frame, plants and heated outdoor areas, as well an indoor quarters.
The ocelots will be joining some 130 different species of animal currently resident at the centre, which plans an important role in captive breeding schemes.
Coun Ray Hassall, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: Birmingham Nature Centre plays an important conservation role for the city as well as being a wonderful place for families.
The ocelots will be a very welcome addition to the varied range of animals in their care.
Admission to the centre is s2 for adults and free for children under 16. During the winter season, from November to April, the centre is open weekends only, 10am to 3pm.
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://bigcatrescue.org
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