Utah’s Hogle Zoo Looses Another Cat In Captivity

Hogle Zoo in Utah lost another member today after two other zoo cats died this summer. 

The zoo uses a breeding program that is supposed to help these cats survive in captivity. Hogle Zoo’s male Pallas’ cat, Petenka died on Sept. 8, a press release said. He was the second oldest Pallas’ cat living in captivity, passing at age 13. Over the last few months, Petenka was treated for seizures by the veterinary care team. 

Petenka or “potato” as the care team called him has been a resident of Hogle Zoo since 2015 and was brought for the purpose of breeding and survival of the species.  

Another Hogle Zoo Pallas’ cat, Hal and Petenka have ten kittens together, the zoo said. 

“Petenka taught us patience in winter and that sometimes you don't need to move too fast. Although we have said goodbye to this spicy cat, his legacy lives on through his kittens, keepers, and you. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Petenka’s life and has helped navigate his last few months with us.”— Care Team 

Though Pallas’ cats usually call Mongolia and the Tibetan Plateau home, they have done well adjusting to the Utah climate up north. These cats have been around for 10 million years, making any loss of the creature devastating.  

Hogle Zoo said the main danger for Pallas’ cats in the wild is the poising of pika, a rodent. This is the cat's main food source and considered a pest. Since people are poisoning the pikas, Pallas’ cats are eating the poisoned prey resulting in a decline in population.