Ratel Howletts Zoo 31 May 1997

Ratel (Mellivora capensis), a very impressive carnivore

I "think" they were the first zoo in the world to breed them

I think you could well be right.

Great pic, I love Honey Badgers. The world first breeding of them was at the Berlin zoo between 1888 and 1931, Sorry, but I could't find out the correct year. Two cubs were born and succesfully raised.

i thought it was howletts

Howletts probably had a UK first breeding.

i remember seeing the sign at the old port lympne honey badger enclosure that claimed that the Aspinall parks were the first to breed this species in captivity. Is it true that the Port lympne ratel enclosure now holds meerkat?

yes it is true

Although meerkats are a charming little species they are commonly seen at a great deal of zoological gardens and i hope they dont replace the Honey badgers at Howletts also when they finally pass away. It is my hope that Howletts will continue with this species and always keep ratels. Does anyone know how old the Ratels at Howletts are ? because i should imagine that they are quite elderly.

there is only one now, its thought the other one died it the burrow, the body still hasnt been found