Sand Cat: America's Invisible Zoo Animal

This is an old post but if you are still interested, I manage a ZAA zoo in southern NV, Camel Safari, and we have 2 sand cats originally from Hawk Creek. We have almost completed their new outdoor enclosure and our location in the Mohave desert allows us to give the sand cats a very natural climate. We are very excited for guests to get to see them outside!
 
Does anyone think the species may return to Lincoln Park if the population expands? Any other forner holders?
 
During my last two visits to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, I saw the Sand Cat and it was amazing seeing it in the flesh for the first time even if it was sleeping and I even took a picture of it.
 
They now have three sand cats at Prospect Park. When my family visited in early October, they were the most active sand cats I have personally seen.
 
JVM said:
Does anyone think the species may return to Lincoln Park if the population expands? Any other forner holders?
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Lincoln Park Zoo (or any other zoo for that matter) not having sand cats has nothing to do with population size. If Lincoln Park Zoo wanted sand cats and contacted the SSP, I think it's safe to say they'll find cats for them. Lack of institutional interest, not lack of breeding, has been the limiting factor for this population. At least partially, I'd say the reasoning for this is a lack of investment in small mammal exhibits in zoos- I'm not aware of many zoos that've been building new complexes focusing on small mammals in recent years, with only a few exceptions.
 
Neil chace said:
Lincoln Park Zoo (or any other zoo for that matter) not having sand cats has nothing to do with population size. If Lincoln Park Zoo wanted sand cats and contacted the SSP, I think it's safe to say they'll find cats for them. Lack of institutional interest, not lack of breeding, has been the limiting factor for this population. At least partially, I'd say the reasoning for this is a lack of investment in small mammal exhibits in zoos- I'm not aware of many zoos that've been building new complexes focusing on small mammals in recent years, with only a few exceptions.
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Forgive my misunderstanding, I had been under a different impression about this animal.

I am certainly not expecting any zoos to suddenly pivot back on small mammals at this stage.
 
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