Tierpark Chemnitz: New species of striped skunk arrives
Since 13 July, Chemnitz Zoo has been exhibiting three striped skunks that came to Chemnitz from Hof Zoo. The roughly cat-sized animals are black in colour with a striking white stripe that runs from the head over the back to the tail. Females are slightly smaller than males, otherwise the sexes are difficult to distinguish. Like most martens, striped skunks also have two anal glands, which are used for defence. The foul-smelling secretion can be sprayed up to six metres away. However, it is only used in the event of a serious threat. This special type of defence has earned the striped skunk the nickname skunk.
Striped skunks are found in the wild in large parts of North America - from Canada to northern Mexico. Due to this rather large distribution area, there are several subspecies that inhabit different habitats. They are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. They usually spend the day in a burrow they have dug themselves or in another hiding place. At night, they go in search of food. They are not very picky and eat insects and molluscs as well as smaller vertebrates. Vegetable food is also on their menu.
The new species is housed in the coati enclosure at Chemnitz Zoo. Coatis and striped skunks currently live separately, but the two species are to be socialised in the future. However, as South American coatis are on the EU list of invasive species, their keeping will be phased out, i.e. the existing animals will be protected, but no new animals of this species will be acquired.
www.tierpark-chemnitz.de
Opening hours in summer:
Zoo: 9 am to 7 pm, last admission 6 pm
Game enclosure: 8 am to 6 pm, last admission 5 pm