An Apex Arrival: Riana the Fossa Joins the Little Rock Zoo

Photo Credit: Justin Dillon

LITTLE ROCK (October 15, 2024) - We’re proud to announce the arrival of Riana, a 16-year-old female fossa, to the Little Rock Zoo’s Small Carnivore Area. As the second fossa to call our Zoo home, her presence represents a significant step in our commitment to conservation and the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for this remarkable species. By housing an older fossa like Riana, we help create space in other facilities for breeding younger fossas, playing a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of this unique animal.

Riana the Fossa. Photo Credit: Justin Dillon

What Is a Fossa?

Fossas are the largest carnivores in Madagascar and belong to a distinctive group of ten species known as Euplerids. As Madagascar’s apex predator, fossas help maintain the delicate balance of the island's ecosystems. With a diet primarily consisting of lemurs—around half of their intake—they play an essential role in controlling prey populations.

A Commitment to Conservation

The Species Survival Plan (SSP) is a collaborative conservation effort led by zoos and aquariums to safeguard endangered species. Its primary aim is to maintain healthy, genetically diverse animal populations through carefully managed breeding programs that prevent inbreeding and support the long-term survival of species at risk. Each SSP targets a specific species and involves global cooperation between institutions, coordinating animal transfers and sharing expertise to enhance conservation outcomes. Zoos and aquariums play a crucial role in these initiatives, preserving biodiversity and educating the public about the importance of protecting wildlife. Riana’s arrival at the Little Rock Zoo, for example, is part of a broader effort to conserve the fossa species. The SSP goes beyond breeding—it focuses on the overall health of both individual animals and their populations.

Riana with enrichment. Photo Credit: Justin Dillon

Building a Supportive Habitat

To ensure Riana’s well-being, our carnivore team designed her exhibit to replicate the forests of Madagascar, incorporating features that encourage her natural behaviors and keep her active.

"Riana's exhibit is the latest update in our Small Carnivore Area. We’ve made sure to include lots of logs and elevated platforms because in Madagascar’s old-growth forests, fossas spend as much time in the trees as on the ground. Her exhibit also features dynamic elements like hanging tunnels, swings, and hammocks to keep her engaged. One of the coolest things you’ll see is her ability to climb straight up and down the vertical poles—it really shows off her incredible agility," explains Zookeeper Justin Dillon.

Riana enjoying her habitat and climbing structures. Photo Credit: Justin Dillon

Fossa Conservation

Fossas face significant threats in Madagascar due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. Organizations like the Madagascar Biodiversity Fund are working to protect fossa habitats by creating protected areas and establishing wildlife corridors. Zoos like the Little Rock Zoo play a crucial role in fossa conservation by maintaining healthy populations through breeding programs in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Riana the Fossa. Photo Credit: Justin Dillon

Come Visit Riana!

Riana is currently on display in the Small Carnivore Area, just past our servals. Be sure to stop by and see her in action!

Want to learn more about fossas and other incredible animals at the Little Rock Zoo? Visit our Animal Habitats page to explore more!