Rehomed bobcat Bode 'becoming fit'

A zoo said it had saved "a beautiful" bobcat in need of a home from being put down.

Bode, a north American bobcat, needed a new home after his owner was convicted of animal welfare offences at St Albans Crown Court in May 2024.

Tropiquaria Zoo, near Watchet, stepped in to help and said Bode was doing well.

"He is re-establishing his weight as he should be," said Chris Moiser, the zoo's director. "He's becoming a fit and beautiful young cat. He's four years old and should have another 12 easily."

The charges related to four animals at the Cat Survival Trust in Welwyn, which has now closed. Terrence Moore, director of the venue, was banned for keeping animals for five years.

The ban was suspended while efforts were made to find homes for 28 animals but it was formalised at the court in January.

Hertfordshire Police said five animals had to be euthanised and the remaining 23 have all been rehomed.

Mr Moiser said: "We couldn't take any of the larger ones, we don't have the facilities here for a puma or lynx.

"We were experienced with smaller cats. Everything that was left after the 23 January would have potentially have to be euthanised.

"Out of more than 30 cats, Bode was the last one to leave the site."

He said Bode was eating well.

"He's just turned down rodents, his favourite seems to be pheasant at the moment," he said.

"While he's not a big cat in the context of lions, tigers and leopards, he's really just a smaller version of a lynx."

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