OKC Zoo Seeks Votes To Name Fishing Cat Kitten

The Oklahoma City Zoo is seeking the public’s participation with naming its male fishing cat kitten. Voting is now open on the OKC Zoo's Facebook page and will remain live until Thursday, May 10, 2018.

The top three names, along with the caretakers’ choice, include: Angkor (largest temple in Cambodia), Puddles (Caretakers’ Choice!), and Kuttai (meaning “puddles” in Sri Lankan).

On March 31, 2018, the OKC Zoo’s fishing cat kitten was born by caesarian delivery at the Zoo’s Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital to first-time mom 11-year-old Miri. This is the first successful cesarean delivery of a fishing cat among Association of Zoos and Aquariums member zoos in North America.

Days after his birth, the kitten was transferred to the OKC Zoo’s fishing cat habitat to bond with mom. Unfortunately, when the kitten was placed with Miri, she displayed no signs of maternal care. As a result, the Zoo’s veterinary team and carnivore caretakers began the process of hand-rearing the kitten.

At almost five weeks old, the OKC Zoo’s fishing cat kitten is thriving. He is gaining weight, has boundless energy and is becoming more active and coordinated every day. Now, he just needs a name.