Remembering Heath the Cougar | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 23, 2026 · 1m

A beloved 12-year-old cougar named Heath, a cherished resident of the North Carolina Zoo since 2014, has passed away after years of declining health. Orphaned in Oregon with his sisters Olive and Willow, Heath and Olive remained together at the zoo — Willow later moved on. As Heath battled chronic kidney disease and mobility issues, staff made the compassionate decision to euthanize him to spare him further suffering. Known for his outgoing personality, Heath charmed visitors with unique vocalizations, love of shredding boxes and napping, and even a quirky bubble-blowing habit. His loss…