Sand Cat Kittens Spotted in the Wild for First Time from Panthera Cats on Vimeo.
In what is believed to be the very first footage of its kind, Panthera France Director Gregory Breton has finally captured wild sand kittens on camera.
This was Breton’s fifth expedition to the Moroccan Sahara to document the elusive sand cat. It was two in the morning, and the team was about ready to give up when they saw the eyes of three kittens flickering in the darkness.
“They belonged to sand cat kittens–and the videos and stills the team excitedly captured are believed to be the first-ever documentation of the species’ young in its wild African range,” said Panthera in a Facebook post.
And as you can see, these adorable, wide-eyed kitties were certainly worth the wait.
They look like ordinary kittens that some feral cat has had somewhere in the suburbs. I doubt they are a “wild” species of any kind, other than being homeless and untamed.
The sand cat is actually a recognized genre Terry. You can check it at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_cat
Thank you for putting Terry right Cindi.
Thanks Cindi, that’s just so awesome and interesting. Had never heard of these cats before and when I initially saw the video I thought that there’s no way such a tiny little cat could ever survive anywhere in the African wild so I doubted it was actually a wild cat at all and sure didn’t look wild. In its adult form it does look quite undomestic with the shape of its ears and the distinctive markings. Thanks for posting the informative link. Clearly, these little souls could not live as domestic pets as they need to have a consistent arid climate. Even then, with proper climate control they live only 13 yrs in captivity and any born in captivity who are released into the wild live only 30 days at most. Being so susceptible to upper respiratory disease, any humidity is fatal for them. Since they only live about 13 yrs with good care in captivity you can imagine how short their lifespan is in the wild. How sad.
Aren’t they just adorable?
I really don’t like when they post footage and locations of rare animals. I worry it’s like handing out info to sick trophy hunters. Just like to the footage and location that’s now everywhere about the albino giraffe that was discovered. Hope I’m wrong.
My thoughts exactly Rachael. There are too many evil people that would be quick to use them in any way that would put money in their dirty disgusting hands.
And yes, they are precious and cute as can be. They deserve to enjoy a nice pain free life.
Oh boy you are so right Rachael that info is like giving a stray dog a can of dog food. Withe all the sickos out there now that’s exactly what’s gonna happen. You know if I ever found some rare animal discovery I would never tell anyone for that reason. The human race will hunt and kill them and I wonder how long before their’s a petition about.
Linda and Rachael…..you are SO very right.
Tisa, Linda & Terry..I’m glad to know you all feel the same and It’s not just me! Linda, I would do the same as you..I wouldn’t tell anyone! I really hope they are kept safe. Another poster, Susie, made a great point..now people will want them because they are cute which will become a absolute nightmare for these cats. I’m so tired of greedy humans with no conscience or concern for what is in the best interest of wild animals, all animals. Thankfully there are wonderful people like all of you and all the other caring people on these sites!
I know, that’s what happened to the Sloths and those other sweet lil huge eyed ones — I forget their name, but people were tickling them and for them it was pure torture and everyone was smuggling them in to sell to ppl who just HAD to have one. These kittens won’t live as pets, they’ll die from respiratory illnesses — climate has to be completely arid according to the write ups about them on the link Cindi posted for me to see. That’s why they live in deserts & seldom ever drink water — they get their water from the prey they eat.
I never tell anyone when I see where wild animals are living. I once saw a den where a fox & her babies were living and never told my best friend who lived right up the road from them. She later found out & mentioned them to me and I said not to tell anyone. She asked why & I said because the guy whose land they’re living on will kill them. She acted like I had three heads. Those baby foxes had such a blood curdling scream!!! That’s how I found them, I thought it sounded like some poor animals was being eaten alive & was in horrific pain. I pulled over — it was at night — and shone my spotlight and saw about 8 baby foxes and an adult running all over one small field beside the road. Came back daily & watched from the road in my car until I was able to see where their den was midway up the hill at the back of the field. My friend thought I was crazy to suggest anyone would kill them. But my experience is that people can just never leave well enough alone and they refuse to live and let live when it comes to the wild ones.
Terry..you sound wonderful..! I would have done the same thing as you did. Sadly when many people see a fox near their property their immediate reaction is to *kill it* , calling police, and every other city or town official. Or like you said, some people will do it themselves. The poor animal could simply be crossing thru and people freak out forgetting the land was the animals home first! We’re the invaders..not them. I applaud your care and concern for those baby foxes and the Mom. I wish I had more neighbors like you : ) And don’t feel bad..I get that same look from people too when I’m trying to protect wildlife.
Thanks Rachael! Foxes have a bad rep for being the carriers of Rabies & I think that has a lot to do with why people’s first reflex is to kill them — besides the fact that they like to have a nice tail to hang from their belts and a nice bit of fur to throw over the back of their cottage chair. Rabies is now actually rare to be found in a fox due to years of wild animal bait being air dropped which is laced with vaccine. I know a woman who owns a ranch and 80 acres of land on the outskirts of the city. She goes out on horseback with her rifle shooting every coyote and raccoon she sees. Why? Because she doesn’t “like” raccoons. What a senseless reason to kill ANY animal!! As for the coyotes, a pack of them ripped her little Jack Russell apart right in front of her so I can understand her hatred for them — on the other hand Coyotes are just doing what wild animals do. If someone has dogs too little to defend themselves in the wild then don’t keep them as outdoor pets on a ranch — choose a larger pet. I have to think she just “enjoys” using animals for target practice and has fun killing them. Don’t know what makes people’s minds tick sometimes or know how they can be so cold.
Agree with you on everything Terry! I’m pretty OCD when it comes to protecting wildlife too. What a horrible person! How can she live with herself?!? I tend to agree she just enjoys it. You’re right..its horrible what happened, but it’s pure instinct and up to us to protect our pets. I have small dogs and make it a point to always be out with them at night (even though it’s fenced in) as I have a ton of foxes and raccoons around (which I love!). I get furious when I hear about people like that. So glad there’s people like you who love and respect wildlife : )
How precious are these babies. I hope that they live out their lives in peace. I pray that no poachers will ever find them.
I do envy my nephew St John for actually having seen and been in close proximity to these absolutely gorgeous little sand cats when he was in the desert a few years ago. Apparently they really ARE ‘little’ cats.
Precious.
How cute are these kittens though??
I can’t imagine how terrified those baby elephants are! And the mothers and extended families! What grief! So tragic!
Oh great, now some asshole is going to “want” one and some other asshole is going to try and capture one to sell for big$$. Where’s momma, by the way.
Oh great. Now some asshole is going to “want” one and some other asshole will try and trap to sell for big $$. Not good. Where’s the mama?
Bonjour..Ils sont mignons..mais ils ressemblent à des chatons ordinaires.