Hogle Zoo in Utah, USA, has just welcomed an 8-month-old black-footed cat named Gaia. Although she looks very cute, this species is the most dangerous cat in the world.
Gaia, a black-footed African cat, is known as one of the deadliest cats on the planet.
Despite her petite size and adorable appearance, she boasts impressive hunting skills and a fierce personality. Gaia recently moved to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, where she is adjusting to her new environment.
‘World’s deadliest cat’ Gaia settles into her new home
Gaia, born in Glen Rose, Texas, in May last year, weighs only 2.64 pounds. In October 2023, she was relocated to Hogle Zoo.
The zoo has been updating the public on Gaia’s progress, emphasizing that her small size does not diminish her feisty personality.
Bob Cisneros, Associate Director of Animal Care at Hogle Zoo, described Gaia as a ‘mighty warrior’ and ‘pretty feisty cat.’
He explained that Gaia is adjusting to her new environment, exploring her space at night when she isn’t observed by other animals or zoo staff. Cisneros highlighted the black-footed cat’s reputation as a voracious hunter with a success rate of over 60 percent.
Gaia has unique characteristics
Black-footed cats, the smallest wild cat species in Africa, are known for their black or dark brown soles or pads.
These features add to their cuteness but also indicate their formidable hunting abilities.
Although they don’t prey on humans and only bite in self-defense, black-footed cats are carnivores that hunt rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, and spiders.
In photos shared by the zoo, Gaia, the black-footed cat, has soft gray fur covered with black spots and stripes.
When she nervously pokes her head out from behind a rock to look at the camera, she appears adorable and shy. However, according to Hogle Zoo, Gaia is ‘small in size but has a lively personality’
Gaia is on a strict diet in her new home
Her diet consists of ground bone, skeletal muscle, organs, and occasionally, humanely euthanized mice
This diet ensures she remains healthy and maintains her natural hunting instincts. Gaia’s arrival at Hogle Zoo is part of a breeding program aimed at contributing to the Black-Footed Cat Consortium, which only has 29 cats.
Hogle Zoo plans to introduce Gaia to Ryder, a male black-footed cat, once she reaches maturity.
The zoo said: “Gaia’s introduction to Ryder, the male black-footed cat, is in the cards, but we’ll let these two feline friends get acquainted when Gaia reaches maturity,”
This introduction aims to further the breeding program and contribute to the conservation of the species.
The zoo previously housed Sanura, a record-breaking black-footed cat who lived to 18.5 years old and was known for her sassy personality.
Before Gaia arrived at the zoo, the 18.5-year-old black-footed cat Sanura passed away in September.
She was recognized as the oldest black-footed cat recorded in an accredited zoo by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Gaia’s move to Hogle Zoo marks an exciting chapter in her life and the ongoing conservation efforts for the black-footed cat species. Despite her deadly reputation, Gaia’s story continues to captivate and endear her to a global audience.
