Katya, continued

Despite the loss of her claws, the cramped quarters of her pen at the zoo, and finally the death of her mate, Katya remains healthy and in good spirits. No doubt she’ll enjoy the comfort of the ranch for the rest of her life. She is a constant reminder for us that wild animals should never be kept as exotic pets or confined in roadside menageries.

About Mountain Lions

Mountain lions (species name Felis concolor) are large cats also known as cougars or pumas. Native to North, Central and South America, in the United States they are found primarily in the west and southwest. As adults, mountain lions are solitary animals especially agile at climbing, using their long tails to help them balance and jump. Mountain lions use rocky outcrops, caves, or other naturally occurring shelters to rest. As large predators, they typically hunt at night but may search for food during the day if no humans are present. Federal government agencies kill mountain lions with cruel methods such as traps and poisons, as a subsidy for private livestock ranchers. Trophy hunting of mountain lions is legal in several western states, including the chasing of mountain lions with packs of radio-collared dogs.

Offsite Links

Learn more about mountain lions.
Read a question and answer informational sheet about exotic pets.

Posted: August 15, 2007

Epilogue

In June, 2008, Katya was euthanized. A necropsy found that her intestine ruptured, and a massive peritonitis followed quickly. An older wound was found at the sit of the rupture. Though it was difficult to lose her, Katya's sweet personality and strong survival skills in the face of crippling injuries made her a role model, for people and animals alike, of how to live a life.