The Phoenix Zoo is in a state of mourning following the loss of one of its long-term residents, an 18-year-old mountain lion named Mystic, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The zoo made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the feline due to her rapidly worsening health stemming from advanced renal failure, mirroring the fate of her sister Sierra, who passed away just months earlier from the same condition.
Since their arrival as orphaned cubs from South Dakota in 2007, Mystic and Sierra had become a cherished part of the zoo's history, their care over the last 17 years shaped by tender devotion from the zookeepers and staff. "Our keepers and staff cared for the sisters for the last 17 years and are dearly missing their secretive but sweet nature," the zoo reminisced in a statement obtained by 12 News.
Close before her death, Mystic had the opportunity to inhabit the zoo's new Big Cats of Arizona exhibit, a space which she explored, marking a bittersweet moment as it turned out to be one of her final experiences. The zoo expressed gratitude for these last precious moments, saying, "We feel fortunate to have witnessed her exploring the space and having the chance to welcome guests to the new habitat," as shared with FOX 10 Phoenix.
Despite Mystic's passing, the Phoenix Zoo is set to continue its mission to protect and nurture wildlife, with plans to welcome two new mountain lion cubs, Fern and Thistle, from the Oakland Zoo later this summer. Officials at the zoo see this as a continuation of the legacy left by Mystic and Sierra. "We celebrate their legacy and impact by continuing to grant second chances at life," in a testament to a cycle of care and preservation, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
