Pumas
You are now visiting the puma habitat.
Pumas are known by many different names, including cougar, mountain lion, panther, and catamount. In fact, they hold the record for having more common names than almost any other animal in the world. Their wide range across North and South America helped many cultures develop their own names for these adaptable cats.
Pumas are powerful, solitary hunters known for stealth, agility, and incredible jumping ability. They can leap more than 40 feet horizontally and nearly 20 feet straight up. Unlike larger roaring cats such as lions and tigers, pumas cannot roar. Instead, they communicate with purrs, chirps, growls, hisses, and loud screams that can sometimes sound startlingly human.
Living here at Cat Tales are Hope and Jackson, brother and sister who arrived as young cubs in 2019. Born with spotted coats, they gradually developed the solid tan coloring seen in adult pumas. Both are highly active and curious, but Jackson is especially vocal. Some of his sounds are so unusual that guests occasionally mistake them for bird calls echoing through the sanctuary.
Also living here is Kachina, whose name comes from powerful spirit beings honored in Pueblo cultures. Kachina is known for her strong personality, intelligence, and remarkable camouflage skills. She often blends so perfectly into the habitat that guests walk past without noticing her until she suddenly appears from the shadows.
In the wild, pumas rely heavily on stealth and patience while hunting. They often stalk prey quietly before launching a sudden burst of speed and power. After a successful hunt, they may cover leftover food with leaves, dirt, or brush and return to it over several days.
Take a moment to observe how quietly these cats move and how aware they remain of everything around them. Even when resting, pumas are constantly listening and watching.
As you continue around the sanctuary loop, you will soon arrive at the black bear habitat.