(City of Pocatello Press Release, July 13, 2026; Cover photo credit: City of Pocatello)
Zoo Idaho’s cougar kitten will officially receive her name during a special community reveal by Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist Friday, July 17, at noon at Zoo Idaho, 3000 South 2nd Avenue.
Following a public naming contest that generated more than 500 name suggestions, Zoo Idaho staff narrowed the choices to three finalists: Roxanne, Purrsephane, and Clawdia. The community was then invited to vote online for their favorite name with a $5 donation per vote.
The campaign received more than 600 votes and raised over $3,000 to support the cougar’s renovated habitat.
The event will also mark the first time the cougar kitten is introduced to the public in her newly renovated exhibit.
The cougar arrived at Zoo Idaho with two other orphaned kittens from Wyoming after losing their mother. Shortly after arriving, all three kittens were diagnosed with feline panleukopenia. Despite extensive veterinary care, only one kitten survived.
As a rescue facility, Zoo Idaho regularly provides care for orphaned, injured, and non-releasable native wildlife. The community naming campaign and the renovated habitat celebrate not only the cougar’s remarkable recovery but also the community’s support for wildlife conservation. Zoo Idaho invites the public to join in welcoming the resilient young cougar to her new home and celebrating the official announcement of her name.
“Every animal at Zoo Idaho has a story, and this cougar’s story is one of resilience,” said Zoo Idaho Manager Peter Pruett. “She overcame tremendous odds, and thanks to the support of our community, she’ll now have a beautiful new habitat to call home. We’re excited to welcome everyone as we reveal her name and celebrate this remarkable chapter.”
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the City of Pocatello to offer its public programs, services, and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. If you are disabled and require an accommodation, please contact Skyler Beebe with two (2) business days’ advance notice at sbeebe@pocatello.gov; 208.234.6248; or 5815 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. Advance notification within this guideline will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility.
