Politics Meets Puma

The reason for the gathering at this popular East Styrian tourist destination was Puma Pelé. The big cat, which was illegally seized in Bavaria on March 15, 2022, has been living in Herberstein for just under two months and, together with his mate Missoula, calls a species-appropriate enclosure complete with a shelter home. The spacious 3,500-square-meter area features a variety of structures: trees, rocks, a selection of shaded and sunny spots, as well as scratching posts and climbing structures.

“I’m glad that Puma Pelé has now found a new home after his ordeal. The entire team at Herberstein Zoo will continue to care for his well-being as usual, which means nothing stands in the way of his care in accordance with animal welfare standards,” says Anton Lang, animal welfare officer and Deputy Governor, who has also become Puma Pelé’s sponsor.

Deputy Governor Christopher Drexler: “The sad story of the puma Pelé, which was also reported in the media, has now found a happy ending with his arrival at Tierwelt Herberstein. It fills me with pride that this beautiful and expertly managed zoo enjoys such a good reputation and is known and appreciated far beyond Austria’s borders. Deputy Governor Anton Lang’s sponsorship of the puma Pelé is also part of the responsibility we all share toward living creatures.”

The male puma has settled in well and is thriving. He now also has the fasting day typical for pumas as part of his diet. He was introduced to his mate four weeks ago. “It’s highly likely that Pelé met a female of his own species for the first time here with us. We’re all the more relieved that theintroduction went smoothly right from the start,” says Tierwelt director Doris Wolkner-Steinberger.

Pumas are among the largest small cats and are also known as mountain lions or silver lions. The word “puma” comes from Quechua, the language of the Incas, and means “powerful.”

Photo: Harry Schiffer Photodesign, royalty-free for publication

The photo shows (from left): Ing. Alexander Allmer (Mayor of Stubenberg am See), Alexia Getzinger (Commercial Director of the Universalmuseum Joanneum), Mag. Christopher Drexler (Governor), Anton Lang (Deputy Governor), Doris Wolkner-Steinberger (Executive Director of the Styrian State Zoo) and Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Dolesch (Member of the State Parliament)

For further information, please contact: Karin Winkler - 0664 8865 4094 or via email at k.winkler (at) tierwelt-herberstein.at