Central Florida Zoo’s cougar cub siblings make public debut on habitat

SANFORD, Fla. (Oct. 19, 2026) – The purr-fect pair is ready for their public debut! Cougar siblings Takoda and Juniper are now on habitat at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

The brother-and-sister duo arrived at the Zoo in June after they were found orphaned in South Dakota at just two to three weeks old. Because they were too young to survive on their own in the wild, the cubs were deemed non-releasable and were placed at the Zoo to receive the specialized care they need to thrive. After months of growth and care, Takoda and Juniper are now ready to meet Zoo guests.

“Watching Takoda and Juniper grow from tiny, vulnerable cubs into the confident young cougars they are today has been incredibly rewarding for our team,” said Richard Glover, CEO. “They each have such distinct personalities, and we’re excited for our guests to see them on habitat and learn more about these remarkable animals.”

Takoda, the curious male, lives up to his name, which means “friend to everyone.” He is recognizable by his more silver-toned coat. Juniper, the energetic female, is full of personality and is always ready to wrestle and play with her brother. Her name was inspired by the resilient juniper tree, native to South Dakota, where the siblings were born. Juniper has a more golden tone to her fur.

The cougar siblings offer guests an up-close opportunity to learn about western cougars and the challenges facing wildlife. Cougars are native to North, Central and South America and are among the largest wild cats in the Americas, known for their strength, agility and adaptability.

For more information about the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens and to purchase tickets, click here.