‘Shy, but inquisitive’: Hogle Zoo welcomes new sand cat named ‘Cleo’

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Cleo, a 2-year-old sand cat, can now be found at Utah’s Hogle Zoo.

Cleo is described as shy, but inquisitive. The zoo said she is settling in well in her new habitat in the Small Animal Building, where you can see her playing, checking out new sights, or napping in a corner.

The zoo said that Cleo came to Utah from the North Carolina Zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums breeding recommendation with the Hogle Zoo’s resident sand cat, 4-year-old Asim.

Introduction with Asim will begin with what the zoo calls “howdys” — a structured process where the two cats meet each other through mesh barriers first.

“This gradual approach helps ensure both cats are comfortable before fully sharing space. During a howdy, our animal care team monitors their behavior for positive cues that indicate the cats are ready to be introduced,” the zoo said online.

About Sand Cats

According to the zoo, sand cats live in dry, arid regions, such as Africa’s Sahara Desert, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of Central Asia.

In their natural habitat, temperatures can rise to 124°F (51°C) and drop to near freezing at night. To face these extremes, sand cats burrow during the hottest parts of the day and hunt at night.

They are known as one of the desert’s most formidable predators, with exceptional speed, agility, and hunting instincts. Their diet consists of small rodents, birds, reptiles, and even some venomous snakes, such as vipers.

The zoo said that although the cats are listed under “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, they do face population threats due to habitat reduction, climate change, and activity, especially as these factors can impact the populations of the animals they prey on, as well.