ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) - The Abilene Zoo shared that Pecos the cougar has died.

Pecos was nearly 19, living beyond the usual 8-13 year lifespan in the wild and up to 20 in human care. He and his sister have faced age-related challenges since 2023, such as arthritis and mobility issues.

Courtesy of the Abilene Zoo

In July 2025, both were placed in hospice care due to mobility decline and health concerns.

"Last week, bloodwork revealed Pecos had advanced kidney failure—a common issue in elderly cats—and our vet team made the decision to humanely euthanize," the zoo shared online.

Pecos arrived at the Abilene Zoo in January 2007 alongside his sisters, Acala and Nocona. Born in the fall of 2006, Pecos and Nocona have spent nearly their entire lives in Abilene.

"For nearly two decades

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