Binturong gets up close

A rare binturong decided to get up close with the legendary naturalist Steve Backshall and use him as a climbing frame.

The nine-year-old is one of the stars of Steve Backshall Live taking place at Longleat in Wiltshire from tomorrow – Saturday 24 May until Sunday 1 June.

The binturong – a species classed as vulnerable - is the only mammal from Africa, Asia or Europe with a prehensile tail and is rarely seen in the wild as it lives in the tree canopy.

It is one of several new animals and birds of prey to feature in Steve Backshall Live, the TV presenter’s second residency at Longleat in two years; show tickets are just £1 with a day ticket for Longleat.