SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 26, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Hogle Zoo announced the passing of a popular feline resident, a member of a small breed known for being a better predator than lions and tigers.
“It’s with incredible sadness that we share the loss of Ryder, beloved male black-footed cat,” the zoo said Thursday online. Ryder was 4 years old, a Hogle resident since 2021.
“Ryder was a guest favorite in the Small Animal Building,” said Tammy Walling, a supervisor there.
“He loved to sleep by the glass and was often snuggled up in a spot where he could watch people.”
Ryder died on July 22. After he was placed under close veterinary care for advanced kidney disease, his health rapidly declined despite treatment and Hogle Zoo made the decision to humanely euthanize him.
“Ryder came to us from San Diego Zoo Safari Park as part of a breeding recommendation from the Black-footed Cat Consortium.
“Best known for his playful yet mellow personality, Ryder loved the challenge of puzzle feeders and had a special fondness for scratching posts sprinkled with cinnamon.”
The zoo also noted black-footed cats in the wild have the highest hunting success rate, catching their prey 60% of the time. In comparison, big cats have a 20-25% hunting success rate.
“Our teams had begun the introduction process between Ryder and Gaia, a female black-footed cat who recently joined us on a breeding recommendation.
“We will continue to work with The Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Black-footed Cat Consortium for future breeding recommendations for Gaia. Guests can visit Gaia in the Small Animal Building as she continues her daily routines.”
Ryder was also an outstanding ambassador for his vulnerable species, the zoo said, making significant contributions to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) CryoBioBank. His contributions help ensure genetic diversity among black-footed cats and create opportunities for future generations.
“To Ryder’s community — including his dedicated animal care and health teams, staff, volunteers, and guests — thank you for being part of Ryder’s life, whether through his diligent care or by advocating for his species. He was a cherished member of our zoo family and will be greatly missed.”
To read more about Ryder’s passing, click here.
