North Richland Hills police officers responded to a Thursday afternoon call that described a loose animal as possibly a kangaroo or a monkey. When they arrived near the intersection of Rufe Snow Drive and Loop 820, they discovered the creature was a kinkajou, a small nocturnal mammal native to Central and South American rainforests.
Rescue and Initial Care
Officers Davis, Little and Lund found the animal behind a trash can, visibly hot and thirsty on the concrete. Officer Dylan Davis gently secured the kinkajou with a towel, and North Richland Hills Animal Services took custody of the animal later that day.
Public affairs administrator Carissa Katekaru said a wildlife specialist examined the animal on Friday and confirmed it was a female. “Because it was out on the hot concrete, it does have a few burn marks on its paws, but they are going to work on rehabbing her and helping get her back to full health,” Katekaru told Fox 4.
About Kinkajous
Kinkajous belong to the raccoon family and are known for their prehensile tails and the ability to rotate their feet backward while climbing. They are nocturnal and spend most of their lives in the canopy of tropical forests. While they occasionally appear in the exotic pet trade, experts caution that they do not make suitable household pets.
A 2011 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report documented cases of raccoon roundworm infections in pet kinkajous, highlighting the potential health risk to people. The CDC recommends routine veterinary care, deworming, fecal testing and careful disposal of animal waste for owners of exotic pets.
Search for Owner and Future Placement
As of Friday, authorities had not identified an owner for the rescued kinkajou. Animal Services is working to locate the owner or, if none is found, to secure a permanent placement for the animal at a sanctuary that specializes in the species.
Kinkatopia, a sanctuary in Florida devoted to kinkajous, warns that these animals are best cared for in environments that mimic their natural habitat. The sanctuary emphasizes that, despite their appealing appearance, kinkajous require specialized care and space that most private homes cannot provide.
Community Response
The unusual rescue captured the attention of local residents, many of whom shared the police department’s social‑media post asking, “Soooo, anyone missing a kinkajou?” The story underscores the role of local law‑enforcement and animal‑services teams in responding to unexpected wildlife incidents within the community.
North Richland Hills officials encourage residents who encounter wildlife in distress to contact the police or animal services promptly. Quick reporting can prevent injury to both the animal and the public, especially during the hot Texas summer months.
What’s Next?
Animal Services will continue to monitor the kinkajou’s recovery and will provide updates on any progress toward finding a permanent home. Residents who believe they may have lost a pet kinkajou or who have information about the animal’s origin are asked to contact the North Richland Hills Police Department.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
