Are you not aware of the numerous feral cougar populations in Australia? Sightings occur regularly, or so we are told.
Actually, I have to wonder if that is what is behind the castration regulation.
Darling Downs Zoo Darling Downs Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Zorro
- Start date
Actually, I have to wonder if that is what is behind the castration regulation.
All Puma (male and female) have to be desexed before being imported into Australia (all states), which I agree is ridiculous.
Leopards have historically proved notorious escape artists, which has been remedied by stringent containment protocols (including a requirement to have them kept in fully contained exhibits). If such procedures were implemented in zoos, I’m confident the risk in Puma escaping containment would be reduced to near zero; with the chance of them establishing a feral population even smaller.
As @Steve Robinson once said, many of these rules were made decades ago without the context of the accountability accredited zoos are held to these days, which ensure compliance above and beyond the required containment protocols.
And the ‘panthers’ which always turn out to be feral cats.
The Western Australian government once posted a $20,000 reward for any Puma captured alive and dead following rumours of sightings in WA. Unsurprisingly the reward was never claimed.
The issue about the Puma ruling was that two facilities applied for them to be added to the Live Import List at the same time - one from a zoo and one from a rescue facility seeking to replace an elderly Puma that had died.
The zoo wanted permission to import in a sustainable manner - hence wanting to breed the species for some generations to come.
The rescue facility just wanted to replace a deceased animal.
Given the choice, the government processed the application for just one, neutered animal and will now not process an application for this species again for many years.
The rescue facility has yet to import an animal.
scallywag2024
Well-Known Member
scallywag2024
Well-Known Member
Seems so silly!
It was a joke.
Exactly and thanks for that Steve!
BTW: the examples of small-clawed otters and red pandas escaping ... the chances of them creating huge numbers when being escapees is rather slim given their particular demands on habitat which is just not there. If we be talking raccoon dog or raccoon - as in very opportunist "culture followers" ... I could see that reality very much.
NOTA BENE: In Europe we - TOO - have big issues with BOTH and - I must admit - national and provincial government ineffective responses while banning zoos from having them, in the event authorities confiscate them or capture them dump them on zoos too with the express demand "not to breed" and while - happily - ignoring their work to eradicate raccoon dog and raccoon from the Dutch (and German-Mid European) range is not being pursued in any decisive action and effective fashion).
But have you not seen all the video's showing them!.
Look its Tasmania that made the decision, there Tasmanians, enough said.
I have not seen anything that has peaked my interest until something of note appears I would say its nothing, however I have seen some very large feral cats that I was surprised that they could reach that size!
Jeez, really shows up the inadequacy of the process and its execution...!(???)
There was evolutionary research showing feral cats are growing in size to fill a niche thats long been empty.
There was talk of actually having puma DNA sourced from one of the areas they are commonly seen, by the big cat hunters. But I don't remember much and I don't think it really went anywhere. As far as I know there is currently no evidence of them.
Yes I had heard that quite some years ago that they do evolve back to a wild size and form natural selection at work. I would dismiss talk of anything regarding puma DNA I believe there is zero chance!
Wisp O' Mist
Well-Known Member
Well, Ocelot-Puma cubs have been produced in the past. Yes, really. So, I suppose that it's technically possible?
Just improbable, given that a feral Puma is more likely to view a domestic cat as potential meal rather than a mate.
You are correct a feral "domestic" cat would be a meal there has been zero evidence of any puma ever being feral it's just rumours by mistaken people! (going off topic here so will close on that)
NEWS UPDATE!
It appears zoo babies are still arriving at the DDZ, Yet another Zebra colt has been born and another Addax calf bringing the total to 5 sired by the newly obtained male, With a couple more on the way!
Several Kangaroo and Wallaby joeys, Birds are starting to hatch led by Eclectus chicks and finally more Bilby joeys in pouches.
It appears zoo babies are still arriving at the DDZ, Yet another Zebra colt has been born and another Addax calf bringing the total to 5 sired by the newly obtained male, With a couple more on the way!
Several Kangaroo and Wallaby joeys, Birds are starting to hatch led by Eclectus chicks and finally more Bilby joeys in pouches.
Last edited:
Fantastic news, especially regarding the zebra colt.
I recall @Steve Robinson mentioning in August he wasn’t anticipating foals in the near future from Jafari’s herd, so therefore the dam would be Zavannah in the purebred Grant’s herd. She last gave birth September 2024, so I was hoping for another foal from her anytime from this month onwards!
Zara had a foal earlier this year, so that leaves Angel (last gave birth December 2024), who would theoretically be eligible to foal anytime from January 2026.
scallywag2024
Well-Known Member
So many births! Exciting news…