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Abilene Zoo Cougar Dies One Month after Her Brother Passed

Incident Date:
10/28/2025
Location:
Abilene, TX - USA
Facility Name:
Abilene Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Big Cats
Animal:
Cougar
Animal disposition:
Dead

Summary:

ABILENE, TX – One of Abilene Zoo’s cougars has passed just one month after her brother. At nearly 19 years old, Nocona lived a life well beyond the average cougar lifespan of 8–13 years in the wild, according to the zoo.

“Alongside her brother Pecos, who passed away just last month, she faced age-related challenges in her later years, including arthritis and mobility issues,” the post stated. “Both siblings were placed in hospice care in July 2024 as their mobility declined and additional health concerns emerged.” Nocona was born in the fall of 2006 and arrived at Abilene Zoo in January 2007 with her siblings Pecos and Acala. “She and Pecos shared a remarkable bond, spending their entire lives together here in Abilene,” the post stated.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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