Black-footed cat

Meet the Cats!
Black-footed cats
Black-footed cat
(Felis nigripes) 

Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, Black-footed cats are the 7th felid species native to South Africa (the others are lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, serval, and African wild  cat), and by far the least known. They are the second smallest species of cat, weighing in at 2-5 pounds (1-2.5  kilo). Black-foooted cats are only active at night. It is boldly patterned with blackish oblong spots, and its legs are barred with thick dark stripes. The undersides of their feet are black. The black-footed cat is restricted to  the arid lands of Southern Africa. It is typically associated with open,  sandy, grassy habitats with sparse shrub and tree cover, such as the  Kalahari and Karoo regions. The northernmost records are from Namibia and Botswana although the species may occur in the south-western corner  of Angola.
The black-footed cat research group (BFCG)  is an international, interdisciplinary team of biologists, zoologists,  and veterinarians. They radio collar the cats to learn about  distribution, territory sizes, hunting patterns, prey species, and  denning behavior. 

Black Footed Cats at EFBC/FCC (not on exhibit)
Butch

Sex: Male
Born: September 12 2008
Arrived at EFBC: October of 2018 from Chicago Zoological Park
Fun Fact: 
Favorite Enrichment: 
Hours:

NEW OPERATING HOURS: 10 am to 4 pm
We will now be open every day except Wednesdays and Sundays, unless we are closed due to government restrictions.

Private Tours & Behind the Scenes Tours are available (advance reservation necessary).

Admission:
General                $10
Children (3-12)     $5
2 and Under           Free
Seniors (60+)         $8
Veterans & Active
Military (With ID)    $8

Members & our Cat's Adoptive Parents
receive free admission


Recent Births &
Acquisitions:
  • Caracal arrived December 2020
  • Ocelot male and female arrived October 2020
  • Ocelot arrived July 2019
  • Serval arrived May 2019
  • Snow Leopard arrived May 2019

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, July 2, 2022 is our 4th of July Party for the cats! Join us for themed enrichments and treats! Celebration starts at 12pm!