[Columbia, SC] - The next time you visit Riverbanks Conservation Outpost you might see a black-footed kitten bouncing out of its underground burrow. Born on February 23, the petite yet powerful feline is ready to make its debut just in time for spring.

“Riverbanks has had tremendous success breeding black-footed cats over the past 10 years,” said John Davis, curator of mammals at Riverbanks. “Currently there are only 25 black-footed cats in captivity, and 16 of those were born here at Riverbanks. Having contributed to 64% of the current captive population in the United States, Riverbanks is pleased that our new breeding pair also has successfully produced an offspring.”

For nearly six years, the Riverbanks staff has strived to provide a comfortable breeding environment for this kitten’s parents. Hiari, the mother, is an offspring of the successful black-footed cats that reproduced 15 kittens at Riverbanks. Alex, the father, was captive born in South Africa and brought to Riverbanks in 2000. It took the two a while to get acclimated to their exhibit and each other. Concerned staff feared that the two were not going to be as successful as the former Riverbanks pair.

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In late February, there was an increase in activity in the new pair’s burrow. An infrared camera was extended into the nest and confirmed the news. The kitten was alert and already showing a fierce personality as it hissed at the camera. This is the first black-footed kitten born at Riverbanks since 2001.

Black-footed cats are similar in appearance to house cats. They typically weigh 3 to 4 pounds making them the smallest cat species in the world. The black-footed cat gets its name from the black soles of its feet. This genetic trait, along with extra fur, helps protect its feet when traveling on the hot savannas in its native region of South Africa.

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Black-footed cats are nocturnal creatures. They have a reputation for ferocity and hunt mostly small prey, but have been known to attack giraffes. The tenacious creatures can go without water, obtaining all moisture from their prey. While visiting Conservation Outpost you will likely see the kitten and mother digging and climbing around their exhibit in search of prey.

Litters typically range from one to four kittens with the female cat acting as the primary caregiver. Not only does this birth enhance the captive population in the United States, it also provides a unique opportunity to educate the public about these endangered felines. Riverbanks will continue to breed the pair in hopes of producing more offspring.