KANAB, Utah (
KTVX
A mature feline is currently recuperating following a roughly 400-foot drop in Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park, an incident which tragically claimed the lives of two trekkers.
As per the Best Friends Animal Society, the cat was alongside
Two visitors from Florida at the park allegedly fell after clambering over a barrier.
At Inspiration Point on April 29, the two individuals identified as Matthew Nannen and Bailee Crane passed away at the location.
Now known as Mirage, the cat was found in a black soft-sided carrier, which was dirty and torn, but seemed to have handled the fall fairly well.
“Miracle Cat Mirage survived a devastating drop at Bryce Canyon,” said Judah Battista, the chief sanctuary officer for Best Friends Animal Society, to Nexstar’s KTVX.
A female tabby named Mirage is thought to be around 12 years old. She was taken to Pawz Dogs boarding facility in Panguitch prior to Garfield County officials reaching out to Best Friends for assistance.
Mirage was transported by the veterinary team to Best Friends in Kanab, which serves as the main hub for the nationwide animal welfare group and is also home to the biggest shelter for pets in the country.
Best Friends mentioned that Mirage had matted fur and some tenderness but remained amiable during the examination. Battista reported that the cat’s blood tests were within normal ranges, and she is consuming food and water without issues. According to him, the X-ray images revealed several cracked ribs along with two damaged canine teeth.
“Given how she fell, she’s surprisingly well off,” he remarked.
Battista mentioned that they plan to reach out to the broader family members of those who recently passed away during the fall season before thinking about placing her up for adoption.
Our thoughts are with the family,” he stated. “Although we’re extremely pleased to offer her a secure and compassionate setting for recovery during these necessary arrangements, we can only achieve this due to the backing of the community. Therefore, we also wish to express our gratitude.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and individuals who have knowledge of the event are encouraged to reach out to detectives from the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office at 435-676-1126.
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