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There are four new additions at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation
in Smarden in the form of Pallas kittens.

The small wild cat, about the size of a domestic cat, comes from
Central Asia but as new manager at the animal foundation Brian
Badger warns, they’re nothing like a family pet.

The 47-year-old said: “These would have your eyes out literally
if you were to open their cage. We never handle them other than for
medical reasons and we let their mum do all the work, after all,
she’s better at it than we are.”

Mr Badger has recently taken over as general manager, moving
from Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire where he was head
keeper.

The father-of-one continued: “Just over three weeks ago our
female gave birth to four kittens. They’re growing nicely and all
four have survived, which is quite unusual.”

The centre is not open to the public but offers weddings,
photography days and volunteer opportunities.

The cats have been hunted for the fur trade. Mr Badger added:
“You’re talking about 50 or 60 of these cats to make one
three-quarter length jacket; they die in the name of fashion.”

To find out more visit www.whf.org.uk or call 01233
771915.