Beloved Shy Wolf Sanctuary cougar passes away at age 20

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK) — The Shy Wolf Sanctuary announced the passing of Cimarron, a 19-year-old cougar who passed from natural causes, surrounded by those who cared and loved him.

On Thursday, Shy Wolf Sanctuary released a press statement on Cimarron’s passing, saying that while staff and volunteers understood that the cougar’s death was imminent due to his advanced age and recent health changes, the loss has left an “undeniable void throughout the sanctuary.”

Representatives of the sanctuary retell Cimarron’s life, starting with his birth in captivity, noting the challenges he faced during his early years. Moved to the sanctuary at an early age, Cimarron spent 16 years at the facility under the care and supervision of staff and volunteers.

"Cimmy was extraordinarily old for a cougar, and his loss leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him," said Shane Biltz, SWS Board President. "The sanctuary feels a little quieter without him."

According to the sanctuary, Cimarron served as a representative for wildlife conservation, giving visitors an opportunity to learn about cougars and how the ever-changing landscape has affected the critically endangered Florida panther.

Before his passing, the Shy Wolf Sanctuary noted that Cimarron’s team arranged for the donation of tissue samples to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Panther Team, which may aid in research into Feline leucomyelopathy, a neurological disease affecting Florida panthers and bobcats. 

Following his passing, the Shy Wolf Sanctuary transported Cimarron to the Naples Zoo, where FWC veterinarians will perform a necropsy. 

In March, Naples Zoo announced the unfortunate passing of its matriarch African lioness, Shani, who was humanely euthanized after displaying a noticeable decline in health due to her advanced age. 

Shani passed at the age of 20, which, according to the Naples Zoo, far exceeded the typical lifespan of a wild lioness, which is around 10 to 15 years. 

For more on Shani's passing, click here. 

The Shy Wolf Sanctuary is conducting a donation drive in Cimarron’s name. More information on the drive is available on their website.