Pumas – Hope, Jackson & Kachina
(Puma concolor)
Also known as cougars, mountain lions, or panthers, pumas are among the most adaptable and wide-ranging cats in the Americas. Agile, intelligent, and endlessly curious, they embody the spirit of the wilderness. At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, our resident pumas—Hope, Jackson, and Kachina—each have unique stories that remind us why these magnificent cats deserve our respect and protection.
Their Journey to Cat Tales
Hope & Jackson – The Energetic Siblings
Born on September 25, 2019, these sibling pumas came to Cat Tales as young cubs after plans for their transfer to a zoo in New York were canceled due to severe winter weather. When contacted about providing a permanent home, Cat Tales opened its gates—and its heart—to them.
Hope and Jackson arrived spotted like leopard cubs, but as they grew, their coats turned the warm golden-tan typical of adult pumas. They’ve since matured into confident, athletic cats, each with distinct personalities.
- Jackson is social and talkative, often greeting keepers with chirps or curious stares. Neutered to prevent inbreeding, he enjoys showing off his agility and engaging with enrichment toys.
- Hope, more reserved and watchful, prefers quiet observation from her favorite perch. Her name reflects the optimism and compassion behind every rescue story.
As adults, Hope and Jackson live in separate habitats—just as pumas do in the wild. Though solitary by nature, they remain connected as lifelong siblings through vocalizations and familiar scents across their shared fenceline. Together, they teach visitors about solitary predator behavior and the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries.
Kachina – The Wild Princess
Born July 19, 2018, Kachina arrived at Cat Tales in September 2018. Her name—rooted in the Pueblo tradition—represents a powerful spirit of nature, and she lives up to it every day. Fiercely independent and graceful, Kachina embodies the beauty and mystery of the wild.
She’s often called our “Wild Princess” for her cunning personality and commanding presence. Her tawny coat blends perfectly with her surroundings, making her a master of camouflage. Guests are often surprised when she suddenly emerges from the shadows, demonstrating her natural stealth.
During her estrus cycles, Kachina can be heard calling with an eerie, human-like scream, a sound that echoes through the park and never fails to astonish visitors. Her energy and confidence make her an outstanding ambassador for her species, reminding us that even in captivity, wild instincts remain strong.
Widespread Range: Pumas are the most widely distributed large land mammal in the Western Hemisphere, ranging from Canada to the southern tip of South America.
Incredible Adaptability: They thrive in forests, deserts, and mountains, adapting to nearly every environment where prey and cover exist.
Powerful Hunters: Pumas rely on stealth and explosive strength, capable of leaping over 18 feet vertically and 40 feet horizontally to capture prey.
Vocal Variety: Unlike lions and tigers, pumas cannot roar—but they can purr, chirp, hiss, growl, and scream. Their sounds play an important role in communication and courtship.
Solitary Lifestyle: Except during breeding season or while raising cubs, pumas live and hunt alone, maintaining large territories to ensure sufficient food sources.
Although pumas are classified as a species of Least Concern, they face increasing threats from habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and human-wildlife conflicts. Expanding neighborhoods and roads often cut through traditional hunting territories, forcing pumas into closer contact with people.
At Cat Tales, our puma ambassadors help visitors understand that coexistence depends on education and awareness—from securing livestock and pets to maintaining wild corridors that allow predators to move safely between habitats.
Our pumas enjoy spacious, naturalistic habitats with climbing platforms, shaded rest areas, and seasonal enrichment activities designed to engage their instincts.
- Enrichment & Play: Keepers encourage natural behaviors by hiding food, adding scent trails, and rotating enrichment items.
- Observation & Care: Each cat’s behavior, diet, and weight are monitored daily to ensure physical and mental health.
- Seasonal Activity: Cooler months bring bursts of energy and playful activity, while summer offers relaxed sunbathing and quiet observation from high perches.
Visitors often hear the gentle chirps and purrs of Hope and Jackson or the commanding call of Kachina, each a powerful reminder that these cats remain wild at heart.