Farewell to Cado: Ireland’s Only Mountain Lion

Cado

Emerald Park is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Cado, our much-loved Mountain Lion, who was humanely euthanised following a decline in his health. At 17 years old, Cado had been coping with several age-related challenges, including arthritis, kidney issues, weight loss, and most recently, a cancerous tumour. Despite the tireless efforts of his keepers and our veterinary team, his condition continued to deteriorate. After thoughtful discussion and unanimous agreement from the park’s Independent Ethics Committee and veterinarian team, the decision was made to give him a peaceful and dignified end.

Cado was more than just a resident animal—he was a striking and familiar presence at Emerald Park and a powerful ambassador for his species. He was also entirely unique: the only Mountain Lion in Ireland. His passing marks a significant moment not just for the park, but for wildlife care and education in the country.

Senior Keeper Craig Coughlan, who worked with Cado for over 14 years, shared:

“Each animal has its own personality, but I don’t think anyone came close to matching his. On a quiet morning, I could whistle from across the park and he would call back. Watching him play with a football, a seasonal pumpkin, or a coconut always brought a smile—not just to us, but to every guest who saw him. He’s left a deep impact on my life and on all those who had the privilege to work with him.”

Mountain Lions (Puma concolor)—also known as Cougars, Pumas, or Panthers—are native to the Americas and hold the widest distribution of any wild land mammal in the Western Hemisphere. They are solitary, highly adaptable cats, capable of surviving in forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountainous regions.

Despite their large size, Mountain Lions are not classified among the “big cats” because they cannot roar. Instead, they communicate using a range of vocalisations including growls, chirps, and their famous scream-like call. Cado was well known for these sounds, and many keepers will remember how he would often greet them with a familiar vocalisation when they arrived at his habitat. Agile and powerful, they are capable of leaping distances over 12 metres and are known for their stealth and precision as ambush predators.

Cado’s behaviour reflected many of these natural traits—his strength, speed, and quiet confidence often amazed visitors and keepers alike. But what set him apart was his connection with the people who cared for him every single day.

Cado will be missed enormously by the wider team at Emerald Park and by all who had the chance to encounter him. His presence in the park was truly one of a kind.