Sand Cat Archives | Randolph News Now

Aug152023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

NC Zoo Says ‘Opps’ – Corrects Sand Kittens Sex and Name

NC Zoo

One of three Sand Cat kittens born in May of 2023 at the NC Zoo. [Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] ASHEBORO N.C. - Apparently, determining the sex of a kitten can be difficult, and the North Carolina Zoo says they "made an oops" when they announced the sexes of their trio of sand Kittens born in May. On June 2nd, 2023, the Zoo anounced the birth of three sand cat kittens. Several weeks later, in a press release, the zoo revealed the sexes of the kittens, one male and two females, as well as an online poll to allow the public to choose names for the tiny desert felines. The public naming poll had more than 15,000 responses with the winning names being chosen as Amira and Cleo for the females, and Jabari for the male. Now, the Zoo says they made an "oops," when they determ...

Aug122023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

Summer Underway at NC Zoo

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. - With Asia not expected to be completed until 2026 it's easy to think there isn't much to do or see at the North Carolina Zoo this summer, but you'd be wrong. From adorable babies, an impressive dog show, and newly renovated habitats, this summer is the perfect time to take a trip to the Zoo. Canine Champions for Conservation Alyssa Buller watches as one of her dogs performs during the Canine Champions for Conservation attraction at the NC Zoo. [Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] Chris Collier and Alyssa Buller will be at the North Carolina Zoo this summer with their highly trained dogs for a show that features jumps, obstacle courses, and other demonstrations. Collier and Buller have performed all over the country, and their dogs have even been featured on se...

Jun292023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

NC Zoo Asks Public to Vote on Names of Sand Cat Triplets

NC Zoo

Photo provided by North Carolina Zoo ASHEBORO N.C. (NC ZOO) - The North Carolina Zoo is asking the public to vote on the “purr-fect” names for the sand cat kitten triplets born on May 11, 2023. The triplets are two females and one male. People can vote on this online poll from among names chosen by zookeepers. Voting is open now and closes Wednesday, July 5, at 4 p.m. (all EDT). The public can also access the poll through the Zoo's website at nczoo.org. There is no charge to select names. The winning names will be announced on Friday, July 7. Females (top two names given to the female kittens) Cleo (Cleopatra): Iconic Queen of Egypt, Greek name meaning “glory of the father” Amira (“Uh-MEER-uh"): Arabic name meaning “princess” Cyra ("SEER-uh”): Persian...

Jun52023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

Three Births Announced at NC Zoo

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. - The North Carolina Zoo has announced the births of a giraffe calf, an infant chimpanzee, and three Sand Cat kittens, all in less than two weeks. Sand Cat Kittens Photo provided by NC Zoo Three sand cat kittens (sexes unknown at this time) were born on May 11. Small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, the kittens were born to first-time mother Sahara, 3, and father Cosmo, 9. This marks the first litter for the sand cat pair. Cosmo previously fathered daughter Layla, now living at the Greensboro Science Center. The mom and triplets are doing well. The trio are beginning to explore their surroundings in the Desert Habitat. Lucky guests may be able to catch a glimpse of them in the coming days. Though they appear adorable with big ears, eyes, and petit...