Remembering Niko: A Tribute to Our Beloved Puma

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of “Niko,” our male puma. Over the past eighteen months, Niko had shown signs of arthritis, impacting his nimble nature, especially his love for climbing. Our team closely monitored his condition, documenting daily medical notes and videos to track his mobility, especially on difficult “arthritis days.”

Recently, a new treatment regimen was started, but it became clear that Niko was no longer comfortable despite our best efforts to manage his pain. After careful deliberation with our veterinarian and zoo staff, the decision was made to euthanize him to prevent further suffering.

Niko leaves behind a lasting legacy, having fathered three litters of triplets, some of whom now reside in Guadeloupe and across Europe as part of vital breeding programs. The dedicated keepers who cared for him throughout his life will fondly remember him.

His life partner, “Fhu,” has felt his absence, but our keepers have observed her adjusting to a more solitary existence, reminiscent of her natural behaviour in the wild. Despite this, she remains as spirited and stubborn as ever! Visitors can see her daily feeding alongside our leopard, Bagheera, at 3pm.

Niko’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his contributions to conservation efforts continue to impact wildlife preservation worldwide.