THAILAND – There’s an old proverb that says, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” This reminds all of us that we are not the last generation to roam this beautiful planet. We are also not the only species that calls this planet our home at this time!
When we don’t realize the importance of co-existence and also the food chain, we push so many creatures to the verge of extinction. Directly and indirectly, we end up destroying their homes and kill their food supply.
This problem may seem a lot larger than life but there are plenty opportunities for us to open our eyes and hearts to the life around us, and we need to take them.
That’s exactly what one family in Thailand did when they happened to spot a lone kitten outside their property. He was cold, hungry, and much tinier than the average cat. They called a wildlife organization to take a look at him and learned that he actually belonged to a rare species.
The family was just out running some errands when they spotted a kitten along the road. They moved closer to get a better look and were shocked at how tiny he was; he looked as though he had just been born.
The Good Samaritans decided to bring the wee one home where he would be safe and warm.
The family just seemed to know that there was something different about him, though.
Once the kitten was in their home, they looked closely at his paws, coat and face; he didn’t look like a normal house cat.
To be certain, they called the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).
It’s then that they were informed that he was a Fishing Cat, which is a rare species listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Turns out they were already familiar with the Fishing Cat.
“We were told that the mother of the fishing kitten was actually a released rescued animal that they had found in a rice field next to the house while working a few years ago,” WFFT stated.
“[The family had] raised the cat into adulthood and then released it back to the wild.”
“While moving the kittens she had dropped this particular one in the road,” WFFT stated.
It is very essential for the mother to find a place safe to give birth to her litter. The mother felt safe around the family, which is probably why she came to deliver on their property.
WFFT rescuers now believe that she must have dropped one by mistake while moving her sweethearts to an even safer location.
The kitten received proper care.
The rescuers waited at the family’s house for the return of the mother but unfortunately, she never did come back.
“For now, he is under round the clock care from our vet team, spending his time in a special incubator that creates a perfect environment where his special needs can be met,” WFFT stated.
They named the wee one Simba.
Without the family’s help, Simba would have most certainly died.
“The Fishing Cat faces a high risk of extinction throughout its range and is thought to be amongst the most vulnerable of the small and medium-sized cats in Southeast Asia,” WFFT stated.
We hope that this baby makes it and that the world isn’t robbed of this adorable species. Kudos to the loving family that decided to take him in and help him!
H/T: www.lifebuzz.com
