Oklahoma City Zoo Welcomes Rescued Bobcat To The Family

The Oklahoma City (OKC) Zoo just announced a new addition to their newly renovated Cat Habitat. This bobcat kitten was found in California and cared for by California-based organizations until now. Pando, the seven-month-old bobcat, has shown caretakers that she would be best suited in a rescue versus being released to the wild.

Bobcat Kitten Relocated From California To Oklahoma

Pando was originally found in a community member's backyard in Coalinga, California and cared for by the Pacific Wildlife Care in Morro Bay and Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue in Petaluma before coming to the OKC Zoo. 

Animals that still remain apprehensive of people while being cared for are better candidates for being returned to the wild, but Pando isn't one of them. The OKC Zoo's Curator of Carnivors mentioned that she's done the opposite and showed quite an interest in people, saying:

"Unfortunately, Pando, was not considered an appropriate candidate for reintroduction due to her strong interest in people.

 

However, our hope is that this will make her an excellent participant in her own healthcare and wellbeing while at the Oklahoma City Zoo as she works with the caretaker team to learn new training behaviors.”

 

Tyler Boyd, OKC Zoo Curator of Carnivores

 

Where Can Visitors Find Pando At The OKC Zoo?

Pando's first public appearance was her first wellness exam today at the Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. Wellness exams are open to the public to watch at the public viewing area. Visitors can see the schedule of exams here. 

The zoo has decided to name her "Pando"  in recognition of the world’s largest and densest organism: a 106-acre quaking aspen grove weighing about 13 million pounds, originating from a single seed more than two million years ago. 

More Animals To See With Pando, The Bobcat Kitten

Pando is just one of several species of cats at the OKC Zoo, including leopards, Sumatran tigers, ocelots and many others.

The OKC Zoo is the best place to get a firsthand look at predators in a safe place. But if you're in Oklahoma, there's always a chance you may run into these dangerous predators and animals out in the wild.