A black-footed cat born on Feb 14, was a first for Brookfield Zoo in Illinois. “Hours after his birth, Animal programs staff became concerned about the male kitten’s well-being… To ensure that he had a chance for survival, staff quickly decided to intervene and handrear the kitten at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Animal Hospital, where he received round-the-clock care,” said the zoo.
Just hours after being born:
Dr. Mike Adkesson at the Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookfield Zoo, administers care to the kitten:
At six weeks old, the black-footed cat gets his food from a zookeeper:
His beloved penguin toy:
Photos by ©Brookfield Zoo (flickr). More photo:
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I can’t wait to see his debut at Brookfield Zoo!
OMG! That face! What a precious lil kitten boo!
The two last photos show how precious the kitten has become!. I wish him good luck and a long happy life!.
If I were the zookeeper, I would have a hard time wearing a glove while handling him. He’s so cute and fuzzy, I would just want to pet him and snuggle with him =)
I just love babies. I wish they would stay that little and sweet forever.
A valentines day kitty, definitely needs all that love and care!!
The face on him! I just want to kiss, kiss, kiss him on the forehead.
Heart-achingly CUTE!
with looks like that who could resist taking care of him
awwww..what a beauty
What a sweet heart!!
Is this a type of Big Cat? If not, when did zoos start caring for house cats? He’s adorable, though
Jane, I was wondering the same thing, so I googled it. Wikipedia says that the black-footed cat is an endagered small African wild cat: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-footed_cat
Yep, he’s one of the small “big cats”, in the same group as sand cats and Scottish wild cats. Sand cats are gorgeous, with big, radar-dish like ears.
why the rubber gloves? Seems unneccessary??
The gloves are to avoid leaving human scents on the kitten, so that he doesn’t bond with them. This is normally so he can be released into the wild later on; with a zoo cat I still think the keepers want the cat bonding as little as possible with humans so they retain their wild nature.
I am so glad he is at Brookfield Zoo! They are the best, and they will take care of him! I used to live down the street from that zoo! The movie Water For Elephants the original Zoo Veternarian took care of that Zoo, during the depression, and World War 2! He will be fine!
Such a great save! And a cute little ambassador!
Just look at those eyes!!! Cute!
I would love to hug that kitty!
beautiful baby!!!
Very lucky liddle guy – and such a sweetie.
Thanks for elaborating on just what a black footed cat is! He’s so cute and the zoo did a great job of raising him!
He is a darling baby.
Hes pretty. I love it!
lucky kitten! he’s adorable.
Still there are people who can save the world! :’) So sweet!
What a cute and lucky kitten! I’m glad everything turned out for the best
Such a beautiful little boy
So adorable. Too bad they reproduce so slowly. If they multiply like house cats, we will have plenty of them.
He’s gotten so big!
so very cute. All life is a gift from God. these people know All Life Is Precious. I have found many kittens without a Mommie and had to feed them with an eyedropper and wipe their bottom. they are important to me. love ‘em all
Absolutely precious! <3
Oh my goodness!! So darn cute x
So pretty, that melting expression and beautiful fur!
so cute! I hope he is doing well!