Animal profiles is a documentation of interesting animals. Enjoy my weekly profiles.

Name: Isa
Age: 4 years
Species: Fossa

Found only on the island of Madagascar, they are the largest native mammalian carnivore you will find there. Unique in many ways, they are not related to any animal off the island of Madagascar. Looking at them you might think, cat, dog, otter or even mongoose, but they are in a family all their own. Isa is special in many ways, but most noteworthy: He was the first leash trained fossa that we have on record anywhere. Being able to see him out of his enclosure with his keepers during a presentation is truly an special event.

Special thanks to the San Diego Zoo for lending me Animal Ambassador Rick Schwartz and opening the zookeeper doors.

Other Animal Profiles
Cape Buffalo
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-736395

Northern White Rhino
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-733391

Prehensile Tailed Porcupine
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-726400

Echidna
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-729814

About the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The 100-acre San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections.

The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.