Civet captured at IFC mall released back into the wild

A masked palm civet’s downtown shopping spree came to a happy ending after the adventurous animal that broke into Hong Kong's luxury IFC Mall was successfully returned to nature.

The civet cat, a species native to Hong Kong that occasionally appears in urban areas, was spotted wandering through the upscale mall in Central on Monday morning. After being safely captured, the urban explorer was transported to Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden for examination.

Veterinary staff confirmed the 1 to 2-year-old civet was in good physical condition with normal body weight. An X-ray revealed only minor facial abrasions from its city escapade. 

Following treatment, the nocturnal mammal was microchipped and released back into its natural habitat the same day.

Masked palm civets, protected under Hong Kong law, play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers. Their distinctive bandit-like facial markings and climbing abilities make them occasional urban visitors, though they typically avoid human contact.

Under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, anyone who hunts, harasses, possesses, sells, or exports the animal could be fined up to HK$100,000 and jailed for one year.

(Marco Lam)

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