This striking large spotted genet arrived at the reserve after Dr De Graaf rescued it emaciated with a bite wound.
When wildlife vet Willem Burger opened the travel case, the genet was reserved and cautious as it acclimatised to its new surroundings. It is nocturnal and usually emerges around sunset.
Genets resemble cats but have long slender bodies, short legs and a long tail. They keep their bodies close to the ground. They can move across land and through trees but prefer to hunt and forage on the ground.
During the day this genet may rest in trees. It marks territory using secretions from its anal sacs and uses communal latrine sites.
At night genets hunt with speed and stealth. They may pause and hiss or growl when stressed. Smell likely helps with social life and reproduction. On branches they keep low and move their legs sideways to balance.
Genets are known as primitive cats.
Genets are cousins of mongooses but are more closely related to hyenas than cats. They belong to the Viverridae family, regarded as among the closest living mammals to the ancient common ancestor of carnivores.