Animal Guide

Caracal

25 destinations · 16 states

Native Range: Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Central and South Asia

Caracals are sleek cats with one feature that immediately catches the eye: tall ears topped with long black tufts. At a zoo or wildlife destination, watch those ears swivel toward sounds as the cat listens to things happening beyond the habitat. A caracal may stroll quietly, pause to sniff, then suddenly spring into action. Its powerful hind legs can launch the cat several feet into the air, an ability used to catch birds and other prey. The reddish-brown coat has no obvious spots, helping the animal blend into dry grasslands, scrub, and rocky terrain. Mostly solitary and often active around dusk or at night, caracals may spend a daytime visit resting before becoming alert. Look for the subtle twitch of the ears, a slow tail movement, or a sudden change in posture when something catches the cat's attention. Native across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, caracals are adaptable hunters built for stealth and short bursts of speed.

Caracal

Where to see Caracal

25 destinations across 16 states

25 destinations

Alexandria Zoological Park

Alexandria, LA

Aloha Safari Park

Cameron, NC

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN

Emerald Coast Zoo

Crestview, FL

Erie Zoo

Erie, PA

Hillcrest Park Zoo

Clovis, NM

Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Kansas City, MO

Little Rock Zoo

Little Rock, AR

Lynnwood Park Zoo

Jacksonville, NC

Memphis Zoo

Memphis, TN

Metro Richmond Zoo

Moseley, VA

Monterey Zoo

Salinas, CA

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Nashville, TN

North Georgia Wildlife Park & Safari

Cleveland, GA

Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City, OK

Safari North Wildlife Park

Brainerd, MN

Safari West

Santa Rosa, CA

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, CA

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido, CA

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

Gainesville, FL

Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Goddard, KS

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens

Palm Desert, CA

Wild Adventures

Valdosta, GA

Wilderness Trails Zoo

Birch Run, MI

Wildlife World Zoo

Litchfield Park, AZ

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