"Gaia: The Feisty Feline Shaking Up Utah's Hogle Zoo"

Introduction of Gaia:

Recently there has been movement in Utah's Hogle Zoo, they have brought a new member to their family, the new member to their family is Gaia, an eight-month-old black-footed cat, She has a small size and feisty personality.

Deadliest Cat on the Planet:

Black-footed cats are nocturnal hunters and they are known for their hunting, They rely on stalking and ambushing to catch their prey.

They are considered the “deadliest cat species on the earth” due to their high hunting success rate, It is estimated to be around 60%. They have a remarkable ability to catch prey, including birds, rodents, and insects.

Breeding at Utah's Hogle Zoo:

Gaia was brought to Utah's Hogle Zoo for breeding purposes after being briefed by the Black-Footed Cat Consortium.

There are only a total of 29 black-footed cats in the Consortium, but with successful breeding — the Zoo believes it will “significantly contribute to the program.”

Felidae conservation fund mentioned that the black-footed cat is imperative due to them being a vulnerable species

Black-Footed Cat Characteristics:

Black-footed cats are known for their petite body stature, ranking as one of the smallest wild cat species. On average, they weigh between 2 to 5.5 pounds making them remarkably lightweight compared to their larger feline counterparts.

In terms of length, they typically measure around 14 to 20 inches (excluding the tail).

They are called "black-footed" cats because they have distinct black and dark brown soles or pads present on their feet.

Habitat of Black-Footed Cats:

The black-footed cat scientifically known as (Felis nigripes) is a small wild cat species native to southern Africa.

They are found in the arid regions of Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. These cats prefer dry habitats, such as savannas, grasslands, and semi-desert areas.

They are particularly well-adapted to arid environments and can be found in places with sparse vegetation.

Zoo's Conservation Efforts:

Utah's Hogle Zoo is very committed to black-footed cats. Utah's Zoo is known for its breeding program of Black-footed cats. They actively participate in all sorts of breeding programs and always try to provide the best environment for the animals they breed.

The black-footed Cats breeding program is essential for increasing the population of black-footed cats in captivity, which, in turn, helps in the conservation of this vulnerable species present in the wild.

Utah's Hogle Zoo is also contributing to raising awareness about the threats facing these cats in the wild.

Utah's Hogle Zoo's involvement in the Black-Footed Cat Consortium goes beyond breeding efforts, it also involves education, research, collaboration with other zoos, and financial support—all vital components of comprehensive conservation programs.

About Utah's Zoo

Utah’s Hogle Zoo is member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1972, and has been accredited since 1979.

It is a non-profit organization, that aims to create a sustainable world for animals and humans, they want to create a connection between humans and the wild by showcasing endangered animal exhibitions and by providing animals a place where they can breed and grow without human involvement.

Utah's zoo Mission and Vision

Creating champions for wildlife by making connections between people and animals to inspire action toward the protection of animals and creating a feeling of responsibility towards nature.

Their vision is to create a world where people and wildlife can thrive together representing an ideal scenario where human societies and ecosystems coexist in harmony, ensuring the well-being of both people and the diverse array of animal species. A world where everything is present in harmony and balance