We are deeply saddened to share that Squeakers, our beloved bobcat, was humanely euthanized following a rapid decline in her health.

During her annual exam in September, x-rays, an ultrasound, and bloodwork revealed she was in advanced renal failure. Further results showed she was also experiencing multi-organ failure. After thoughtful discussions between our veterinary team and zookeepers, and in light of her changing behavior and eating habits, the difficult but compassionate decision was made to let her go peacefully.

Squeakers was 20 years and 5 months old — a remarkable age for a bobcat, whose average lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years. She came to the Brandywine Zoo in 2007 from the Audubon Zoo and outlived her sister by several years. Squeakers lived a long, enriched life here at Brandywine Zoo and brought joy to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She had a fondness for boxes, loved lounging on her favorite shelf and blue bed at the top of the hill, and, true to her feline instincts, was even known to catch the occasional squirrel. She was a cherished member of our zoo family and a favorite among staff and guests alike.

Squeakers will be greatly missed, but her memory will remain a special part of Brandywine Zoo’s story.