Fossa babies at the Catoctin zoo [Pictures]

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Laurie Hahn, of the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont, has been raising a pair of fossas, a rare Madagascar mammal. (KEN KOONS/STAFF PHOTO)

In the wilds of Madagascar, fossa are known for their speed and incredible ability to leap from branch to branch to chase down lemurs -- their dinner of choice. Unfortunately, there are fewer than 2,500 of these unique creatures, a close relative of the mongoose, left on the planet, with only about 25 in the U.S. In June, their numbers grew by two as Mossa and Sophina were born in captivity at the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve and Zoo in Thurmont, just outside of Carroll County.