ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A female kitten bobcat has been surrendered as an illegal pet to the care of the Saint Louis Zoo.

The zoo made the announcement in a Facebook post Friday , presenting Lyla, the female bobcat, as she gets used to her new home.

“Meet our newest furry friend Lyla!” the Facebook post said.

According to the Saint Louis Zoo, due to human action, Lyla can no longer live in the wild on her own.

Lyla is a kind of bobcat that is native to Missouri and can be confused with a housecat.

“Remember: Wild animals are not pets. This species has complex needs that cannot be met in a home,” the post continued.

Now, Lyla is receiving care and is expected to make her zoo debut in 2026 as part of the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery ambassador animal team.

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