SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2025) — The San Diego Zoo recently welcomed Miso-Chi, an 8-year-old fishing cat. Born at the Denver Zoo on January 25, 2017, Miso-Chi was recommended to join the San Diego Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program.
Wildlife care staff shared that Miso-Chi quickly acclimated to his habitat and has been exploring everything the space has to offer. They described him as very confident and smart, and a quick learner who loves the water. Miso-Chi likes to hide, so guests who visit him on Tiger Trail may be able to spot him hiding in a hollow log behind a newly planted fern or surveying his space from the top of the habitat.
Currently, fishing cats remain vulnerable. It has been estimated that about 50% of Southeast Asia wetlands are disappearing as the human population grows. These areas are affected by issues with pollution, over-farming and over-fishing by humans, and drainage, among others. Choosing to purchase products that support better use of the land is a great way to help fishing cats and other wildlife that live in wetland habitats. The San Diego Zoo is proud to be part of the AZA-managed SSP Program for fishing cats.
