Remembering Juniper
Utah’s Hogle Zoo grieves the passing of female gray fox Juniper
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is mourning the loss of female gray fox, Juniper, who passed away on June 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving care team. Juniper was born with a condition called congenital hydrocephalus, which causes a buildup of fluid around her brain. Due to this condition, she lost most of her eyesight and required high levels of care from her animal care team, veterinarians, and Hogle Zoo’s health partners. In recent weeks, Juniper’s condition progressed quickly, leading to complications with her immune system and overall health, resulting in a significant decline in her quality of life. With her wellbeing as the top priority, we made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her.
Left untreated, Juniper’s hydrocephalus would have significantly shortened her lifespan in her native habitat. Our animal health and care teams monitored Juniper closely throughout her life, giving her regular anti-inflammatory medicines and closely monitoring her appetite, weight, and watching for developing neurological signs.
Juniper and habitat-mate Willow were found abandoned as young kits in New Mexico and were taken in by a wildlife rehabilitation center. It was determined that the foxes wouldn’t be able to survive on their own in their natural habitat and were rescued to Hogle Zoo in 2023. In 2024, they were joined by Peppercorn—another young gray fox found abandoned and brought to the same rehabilitation center before making her way to Hogle Zoo.
Despite her health challenges, Juniper was a smart, determined, and curious fox who enjoyed enrichment activities and training. To support her needs, her keeper team adapted her training program to rely on auditory cues, rather than the typical visual cues used in training. She recognized her caregivers by their voices and scent, forming a strong bond with those who cared for her.
Juniper was a beloved member of the Wild Utah exhibit and the Hogle Zoo family. She left a lasting impression on all who cared for her and visited her. We are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, and guests who took the time to connect with her—she was a special part of many zoo visits and memories. Juniper will be deeply missed by her animal care team and the entire community who loved her.
About Gray Foxes
Gray foxes play a crucial role in our ecosystems by controlling small rodent populations, helping to maintain a balanced predator-prey dynamic. Found in rugged, densely vegetated areas from southern Canada to South America—these foxes are elusive and rarely spotted in the wild. Known as the “tree fox” or “cat fox,” gray foxes are unique among canids for their ability to climb trees.
Animal Wellbeing
Hogle Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal wellbeing through individualized health care plans for each resident animal. Regular quality-of-life assessments are pivotal to achieving that commitment, which includes making the tough decision to humanely euthanize when a resident’s quality of life declines.
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