A critically endangered Florida panther kitten found in the wild now lives at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The female kitten was discovered earlier this year and closely monitored by biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. At approximately eight weeks old, wildlife experts determined she had been abandoned by her mother and was unable to survive on her own. She was rescued on March 9 and transported to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, where a veterinary and animal care team provided critical care.
At the time of her rescue, the kitten weighed less than three pounds and was in fragile condition, including a high parasite load and significant signs of malnourishment. The Naples Zoo team began an intensive rehabilitation program focused on nutrition, medical treatment and continuous monitoring. She now weighs more than 36 pounds and continues to show strong development.
Known as Peppercorn, the young panther was named by the Naples Zoo team for her spicy but small nature. Her arrival at the Central Florida Zoo marks the next step in her journey, and the zoo will share updates on its social media channels about when she will make her habitat debut. Florida panthers are among the most endangered mammals in the United States, with only an estimated 120-230 adult panthers remaining.
Press release issued by Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens:
https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/endangered-florida-panther-kitten-finds-new-home-at-central-florida-zoo-botanical-gardens/
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