ATLANTA — Three cute bearcats were born two months ago causing mischief behind the scenes at Zoo Atlanta.
Zookeepers now need help looking for names for two of the three bearcats that were born. Despite their popular nickname, they are neither bears or cats instead they are actually called bintlets or binturongs.
Officials with the zoo said the animals also have a distinct smell, similar to buttered popcorn or corn chips.
They are native to southern and southeast Asia where they are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They face habitat loss from palm oil plantations, which can lead to unsustainable practices for animals. They also are traded as pets and hunted for their meat, according to officials.
All three bintlets are now thriving with their mother, Bramble.
Teams named one of the siblings Watson. People can vote on the names for the other two from Nov. 7 until Nov. 26. on the names Basil, Fig, Oliver and Banyan.
To vote on their names, guests of the zoo can click here or visit the zoo's website.
Zoo Atlanta officials said they will keep the public updated on when the bearcats will be available for visits.
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