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Binturongs and Their Popcorn Smell
The article describes the author’s encounter with a binturong named Bindi at the Santa Ana Zoo. Binturongs, also known as bearcats, are members of the civet family and are native to Southeast Asia. Despite their name, they are neither bears nor cats. The author humorously notes the strong smell of popcorn emanating from Bindi, which is attributed to a compound in binturong urine called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP). This compound is also found in popcorn, toasted bread, and cooked rice.
Researchers discovered that 2-AP forms when binturong urine interacts with bacteria on their skin, leading to a unique smell. The author wishes to keep a binturong as a pet due to its quirky attributes but notes the animal’s vulnerable status in the wild and the legal challenges of ownership in the U.S. In conclusion, the article lightheartedly suggests that popcorn should remain a movie treat, not attached to a binturong’s tail.
