Wildwood Zoo Announces Death of “Bets” the Bobcat

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The City of Marshfield Parks & Recreation Department announces with the utmost sadness the passing of Bets, the male bobcat at Wildwood Zoo, stating:

At the time of his death, Bets was 17 years old and considered to be a geriatric cat. After he was observed behaving atypically, a veterinary exam revealed that Bets had an extremely enlarged liver, which was determined to be filled with likely cancerous tumors. The size of the tumor was causing problems for other organs to function normally. Given the size of the tumor, surgical removal was not a viable option.

With a lack of treatment options and the aggressive nature of his condition, the difficult decision was made to euthanize Bets. He was a favorite amongst visitors and staff alike with his sweet, personable nature and zest for life. He enjoyed watching the ducks and geese at the lower pond, receiving back scratches via his wooden scratcher, and napping in the sun. He will be greatly missed.

At 17 years of age, Bets had surpassed the average lifespan of bobcats both under human care and his wild counterparts. Bets had lived here at Wildwood Zoo since October of 2016 when he was transferred from Oschner Park Zoo in Baraboo, WI. He shared the wildcat exhibit with Lexi, the 19-year-old female lynx. Lexi will be closely observed by her care team for changes in behavior but she has always been a highly independent individual and we expect her to adjust well.

Over the course of the past year or so, Wildwood Zoo has said goodbye to a higher number of animals than usual and it is hard on our visitors and staff, who grow so fond of our residents. As a testament to the care they receive here, our animal population is heavily comprised of seniors who are facing age-related illness and complications. While it certainly doesn’t make it easier to lose an animal, knowing they lived a long, happy, and healthy life here is a comfort. As always, the Parks and Recreation staff appreciates your continued support of Wildwood Park and Zoo.

We welcome your stories! Contact us at [email protected]!