Kinkajou, native to Central and South America, rescued from rest stop in Yakima area | Local

Kinkajous are numerous: nocturnal, carnivorous and close relatives of the raccoon. One thing they are not, however, is a Yakima local.

But a kinkajou that defies notions temporarily took up residence at a nearby rest area north of Yakima off US 97.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reported the sighting on X, formerly known as Twitter.

He was spotted Sunday, and after Washington State Patrol troopers called for help, officials from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife came to the rescue, said Becky Elder, WDFW communications manager.

Kinkajous, members of the procyonid family which also includes raccoons and coatis, are native to Central and South America and enjoy tropical rainforest climates.

“We don’t tend to see that many exotic animals, but it happens,” Elder said.

After recovering the creature, WDFW officials contacted the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which then coordinated with the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma for a drop-off.

After the journey west, the kinkajou, described as male and young, underwent a health examination. He found temporary relief as he will stay at the zoo for now while authorities work to find a long-term home for the animal.

Elder said the kinkajou story is a success story, but not all animal sightings end positively. The department receives many calls about abandoned animals so owners can avoid returning them.

“It’s not fair to the animals themselves, and could also impact the native wildlife in the area,” she said. “Luckily, we were able to give this little guy safe passage to the zoo.”