By Abdullahi Lukman
Two rescued bobcats at ZooMontana in Billings are gradually adapting to life in human care after experiences with human-wildlife conflict left them unable to survive independently in the wild.
Sonny and Goldie arrived at the zoo about a year ago after being rescued separately in Montana. Initially frightened even by the sight of people, the kittens have since gained confidence through gradual exposure to humans and animal-care training.
The pair were reported to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in fall 2025. Sonny was found being kept in a rabbit hutch in northwest Montana, while Goldie was discovered apparently orphaned in a roadside ditch in the southwest part of the state.
Both were taken to Montana WILD in Helena, a rehabilitation facility that could not provide them with a permanent home. ZooMontana subsequently offered to care for the bobcats and partnered with Montana State University to support their long-term habitat and conservation education.
Zoo staff have used positive training techniques to help the animals become comfortable in their surroundings. Sonny and Goldie have learned to enter crates on command and respond to enrichment activities, including chasing toys in exchange for portions of their specially prepared diets.
ZooMontana, a 70-acre facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has a long history of caring for rescued wildlife. Its collection includes more than 80 animals representing about 50 species, many of which are native to the region.
The zoo hopes Sonny and Goldie will eventually become ambassadors for their species.
Although they are currently kept away from visitors, staff hope to move them to a public exhibit in the coming years and potentially take them to educational events if they become comfortable enough.
The partnership with MSU is also intended to use the bobcats’ story to encourage greater public interest in wildlife conservation.
University officials say seeing animals in person can create a stronger connection with nature and motivate people to support conservation or pursue careers in the field.
While bobcat populations are generally stable or increasing and the species is not considered endangered, Sonny and Goldie demonstrate the challenges wildlife can face as human development expands into natural habitats.
ZooMontana officials say the cats’ experience highlights issues such as habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.
Their story, they hope, will encourage people to become more aware of wildlife and the importance of protecting natural spaces.
For MSU, the project also reflects its long-standing connection with the bobcat, which has served as the university’s official mascot since 1916.
University President Brock Tessman said helping the rescued animals represents the institution’s commitment to giving wildlife and future generations opportunities to thrive.
