Before Tocho lived at Southwest Wildlife, he was stolen from his mother and wasn't fed foods that a young mountain lion needs to grow properly. He was small for his size when placed in a pen with resident adult female mountain lions Cascabel and Cleo. They picked on Tocho and ran him off from their favorite hiding spots.
Tocho settled in right up front where tourists and Southwest staff passed by. He grew big and strong, hammed it up for cameras, and became a star.
But sometimes Cascabel grabs Tocho's turf. Late last year as I walked by, she was occupying his corner. I softly said a few words to her, and she stared back and came closer. Without making a sound, Tocho rushed in. With his tail swishing and teeth bared at Cascabel, he could’ve been saying, “Get lost—she's one of my fans!” Cascabel made a stealthy exit, and Tocho sat right where she had been, purring.
We were then surprised when the even more elusive Cleo appeared and sat next to Tocho. Cleo and I studied each other as she chirped a greeting. Tocho didn't like that either and chased her off.
Tocho still knows when to defer to the ladies. But when they're stealing his limelight, he gives a little payback for their prior treatment by making them disappear.
Cleo declined to be photographed for this story.
Story and photos by Darcy Pierce.
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