Zoo Idaho to reveal new cougar kitten’s name Friday
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POCATELLO – Locals will be able to see a baby cougar in her new home starting this week.
On Friday at noon, Mayor Mark Dahlquist will hold a community celebration at Zoo Idaho, 3000 South 2nd Avenue, where he will reveal the new name of the zoo’s new cougar kitten. This will also be the first time the public sees the kitten in her exhibit, which has been newly renovated.
While the kitten’s life has only just begun, the rescue animal has already proven herself a survivor.
“Every animal at Zoo Idaho has a story, and this cougar’s story is one of resilience,” says Zoo Idaho Manager Peter Pruett in a news release announcing the event. “She overcame tremendous odds, and thanks to the support of our community, she’ll now have a beautiful new habitat to call home. We’re excited to welcome everyone as we reveal her name and celebrate this remarkable chapter.”
Zoo Idaho’s newest animal started her life in Wyoming and was brought to Idaho with two of her siblings after she was orphaned, the release says.
Shortly after they arrived, the kittens were diagnosed with feline panleukopenia, which is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease for cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
With Zoo Idaho being a rescue facility, it regularly provides care for “orphaned, injured, and non-releasable native wildlife.”
“Despite extensive veterinary care, only one kitten survived,” the release reads.
As the kitten was growing up and recovering, the city held a naming contest to choose her name. This contest received more than 500 name suggestions.
After Zoo Idaho staff reviewed these submissions, they narrowed the competition down to three potential names.
- Roxanne
- Purrsephane
- Clawdia
After the final potential names were revealed, Zoo Idaho then invited the community to make a five-dollar donation, which would then allow them to vote for their favorite option.
Over 600 people voted for their name choice, which raised over $3,000 to support the renovation of the kitten’s new exhibit.
Whichever name the community chose will be revealed by the mayor on Friday.
“Zoo Idaho invites the public to join in welcoming the resilient young cougar to her new home and celebrating the official announcement of her name,” the release reads.