It is with great sadness that we announce that Valentina, our much-loved puma, has had to be put to sleep after ongoing health issues led to a decline in her wellbeing.
Born at Salzburg Zoo alongside her twin sister, Viktoria, Valentina moved to The Big Cat Sanctuary in September 2008 when she was just a year old. The sisters spent almost their entire lives together until Viktoria sadly passed away in 2025. Having called the Sanctuary home for nearly 18 years, Valentina was one of our longest-standing residents and was just a month away from her 19th birthday.
Valentina was a beautiful puma with striking facial markings that looked almost as though they had been perfectly contoured, and could be distinguished from her sister by the shorter ears. She and Viktoria could often be seen elegantly strutting around their enclosure together like two supermodels on a catwalk. While Viktoria was the quieter of the pair, Valentina was more confident and had a slightly feisty side. She loved food and was always keen to participate in training sessions, while her inquisitive nature meant she liked to keep a close eye on keepers, builders and anything else happening around the Sanctuary. In her later years, she became particularly fond of her cave, often found stretched out on her back, and enjoyed enrichment scented with her favourite smells of cloves and fennel.
Just over a year ago, Valentina began experiencing seizures with no known underlying cause, and medication was introduced as part of her long-term care. Finding the right balance took patience and precision, but for a time it was found, and she showed every sign of a cat enjoying her life. Blood tests also revealed advanced kidney disease, a degenerative condition which could be managed but not cured; even so, her medication kept her comfortable and content. Her dedicated keepers watched over her closely throughout, attentive to the smallest change in her behaviour, appetite and routine. Sadly, in recent weeks they began to see what none of them wanted to see, as her condition progressed beyond the point at which medication could provide the support she needed. With no further treatment options available, and following careful discussion with our veterinary team, the hardest decision was made to put her to sleep peacefully, surrounded by the people who had cared for her every day.
Valentina was a wonderful character and an incredible ambassador for her species. After almost 18 years at the Sanctuary, she has been part of our story for a very long time and will be deeply missed. We will remember her beautiful face, her inquisitive nature and that unmistakable touch of feistiness that made her so special.