OKC Zoo Announces the Death of Fishing Cat Ambassador, Chet
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has announced the death of one of its fishing cat ambassadors, 14-year-old male, Chet, who was humanely euthanized on Thursday, February 9, at the Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital. Chet was under veterinary care for age-related health issues and his quality of life had been deteriorating. He arrived at the OKC Zoo in 2020 from Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Illinois, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for fishing cats.
Chet’s Life and Legacy
Chet lived beyond the median life expectancy for male fishing cats of 10.9 years, thanks to the advanced care and excellent wellbeing he received from veterinary and animal care experts throughout his life. He participated in many of his training sessions and was eager to learn new behaviors that helped with his medical care. Currently home to three fishing cats males, Boon and Puddles, and female Katara, 3, the OKC Zoo will proudly continue to work with the AZA’s Fishing Cat SSP to grow its fishing cat family and contribute to the conservation of this rare species.
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OKC Zoo Announces Death of Geriatric Male Fishing Cat, Chet
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is mourning the death of Chet, a geriatric male fishing cat, who passed away at the age of 17. Chet had been a resident of the zoo since 2002 and was the oldest fishing cat in the United States.
About Chet
Chet was born at the OKC Zoo in 2002, and was the first fishing cat to be born in an American zoo. Fishing cats are native to South and Southeast Asia, and are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Chet was a beloved member of the OKC Zoo family, and was known for his friendly, outgoing personality. He loved to play with enrichment items, such as balls and boxes, and was a favorite of the zoo’s visitors.
Chet’s Passing
Chet passed away on April 5th, 2021, at the age of 17. The cause of death was not immediately known, but it is believed to be related to his advanced age.
The OKC Zoo staff is mourning the loss of Chet, and have expressed their sadness and gratitude for the time they were able to spend with him.
“Chet was a beloved member of our zoo family for nearly two decades,” said Dr. Dwight Lawson, Director of Animal Care at the OKC Zoo. “He was an incredibly friendly, outgoing cat who always made an impression on visitors. We’re grateful for the time we were able to spend with him, and we’ll miss him dearly.”
Preserving the Fishing Cat Species
The OKC Zoo is dedicated to preserving the fishing cat species, and has been a leader in the conservation of this species since Chet’s birth in 2002. The zoo is part of the Fishing Cat Species Survival Plan, which works to ensure the long-term survival of the species in human care.
The OKC Zoo is also home to two other fishing cats, a male named Koda and a female named Kiki. The zoo is working to ensure the long-term survival of the species, and will continue to work to conserve and protect the fishing cat species.
Conclusion
The OKC Zoo is mourning the loss of Chet, a geriatric male fishing cat, who passed away at the age of 17. Chet had been a resident of the zoo since 2002, and was the oldest fishing cat in the United States. The OKC Zoo is dedicated to preserving the fishing cat species, and will continue to work to conserve and protect the species.
