Scottish wildcats: Five endangered kittens born in Scotland

Image source, RZSS

Image caption, Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity will name the youngsters in the coming weeks

Five wildcat kittens have been born at a zoo in Scotland.

This is big news, as the cat species is endangered, meaning there aren't many left in the wild.

Keepers at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park say they're all doing very well, and they're now getting ready for their medical check-ups.

It's mum Talla's first litter - she is reported to be healthy and happy with her new family along with dad, Blair.

Image source, Shepreth Wildlife Park

Image caption, The kittens were born about a month ago but only recently came out of their den

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park said: "Wildcats are Scotland's most iconic animal but, sadly, also one of our most endangered. This incredible species in on the brink of extinction due to historic habitat loss and hunting.

"More recently they have become increasingly threatened by interbreeding with domestic cats."

Keith was very upbeat about the new kittens, saying that this marks an "exciting time for wildcats in Scotland".

Image source, RZSS

Image caption, There are thought to be 40 species of wildcat around the world

Image source, RZSS

Image caption, Wildcat Wood in Highland Wildlife Park is home to eight Scottish wildcats; Katrine, Blair, Talla and her five kittens

To help the fantastic felines, the RZSS lead a project called Saving Wildcats. In this, they work with national and international experts to increase Scotland's critically endangered wildcat population by breeding and releasing them into the Cairngorms Connect area of the Cairngorms National Park.

They also strive to combat the risks that wildcats currently face.

The kittens that were born as part of this project in 2022 will be released into Cairngorms National Park later this summer.

Talla and her babies aren't a part of this though - they're going to live at Wildcat Wood where visitors can come and see and learn more about them.