SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 11, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Hogle Zoo has announced the death of Juniper, its female gray fox, after her deterioration from a congenital condition.
Juniper was euthanized on Thursday, June 5, according to the Zoo‘s Tuesday news release.
“Juniper was born with a condition called congenital hydrocephalus, which causes a buildup of fluid around her brain,” the release says.
“Due to this condition, she lost most of her eyesight and required high levels of care from her animal care team, veterinarians, and Hogle Zoo’s health partners. In recent weeks, Juniper’s condition progressed quickly, leading to complications with her immune system and overall health, resulting in a significant decline in her quality of life.
“With her wellbeing as the top priority, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her.”
The condition would have resulted in a short lifespan in the fox’s native habitat, the release says.
“Our animal health and care teams monitored Juniper closely throughout her life, giving her regular anti-inflammatory medicines and closely monitoring her appetite, weight, and watching for developing neurological signs.”
Juniper and litter mate Willow were found abandoned as young kits in New Mexico and were taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation center, the release says. Officials determined the foxes wouldn’t be able to survive on their own in their natural habitat, so they were moved to Hogle Zoo in 2023.
The next year, they were joined by Peppercorn—another young gray fox found abandoned and brought to the same rehabilitation center before making her way to Hogle Zoo.
Juniper’s condition caused her to lose most of her sight, so her keeper team adapted her training and enrichment program to rely on auditory cues, rather than the typical visual cues used in training.
“She recognized her caregivers by their voices and scent, forming a strong bond with those who cared for her,” the Zoo release says.
One of Juniper’s keepers, identified only as Audra, said the fox had difficulties, “and her time with us was short, but she brought joy to everyone around her and seeing her thrive was so rewarding. She loved to explore new smells and would comically rub her face and body all over the especially stinky ones.
“She loved her sister, Willow, and we would often find them snuggled up in the same bed. Juni was endlessly patient with Willow, who tended to be rambunctious and would tackle her when she got over-excited. Their bond was so heart-warming to witness.”
“She is a great example of what animals are capable of overcoming if given a second chance, a ton of patience, and love. Despite her struggles, she was strong to the end and was just happy to be around her favorite people.”
