{"id":156845,"date":"2026-02-16T03:51:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T03:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/156845\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T03:51:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T03:51:15","slug":"zootampa-says-goodbye-to-lucy-the-florida-panther-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/156845\/","title":{"rendered":"ZooTampa says goodbye to Lucy, the Florida Panther"},"content":{"rendered":"

Workers from ZooTampa at Lowry Park<\/a> announced Sunday that Lucy, the Florida Panther, passed away. Along with the announcement, staff from ZooTampa published an emotional video saying goodbye to the panther, and sharing her story about how the big cat impacted their lives and the zoo.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lucy, the Florida Panther. We knew that when this moment came, we would be at a loss for words, so instead we want to share Lucy\u2019s story from the team that knew her and cared for her,” ZooTampa posted along with the video on social media<\/a>. “Lucy, you were so loved and will be missed.”<\/p>\n

According to the zoo workers, Lucy was diagnosed with cancer some years ago. Her death was announced on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Some of the workers on the video to Lucy said they met her when she was first brought into the zoo.<\/p>\n

Ashley Todd was with the hospital team in 2007, when Lucy arrived. Todd said Lucy was found as a kitten with head trauma in a den. Her mother unexpectedly left, but Lucy received around-the-clock care and was able to heal.<\/p>\n

“Lucy has been able to educate the public by providing them with the rare opportunity to watch a Florida panther to grow up before their very own eyes. Giving guests the chance to make a special connection with the local wildlife.” Todd said in the video.<\/p>\n

“She is incredibly special and we really know that she’s made great impact for the species,” Molly Lippincott with ZooTampa stated. “People really didn’t know the story of the panther. And now they do.”<\/p>\n

Lucy’s impact went beyond the zoo and guest education.<\/p>\n

“Lucy has made an appearance on a U.S. postage stamp, the Empire State Building, and even the Vatican,” ZooTampa posted on social media back in 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Florida Panthers are listed<\/a> as an endangered species, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They are part of the native cat species in the state, along with bobcats.<\/p>\n

“The core population, however, is found south of Lake Okeechobee,” FWC<\/a> says. Since they are endangered species, “it is illegal to harm or harass them in any way. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.”<\/p>\n

ZooTampa added that part of its mission is to save as many Florida Panthers as possible.<\/p>\n