DAVIE, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Flamingo Gardens has a new resident at its Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary, and visitors will start seeing her this weekend.
The Davie-based botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary says it has welcomed Sabal, a rescued 22-week-old puma kitten, to its campus for permanent care. Puma, panther, cougar, mountain lion, the animal has several names depending on where you are, but Flamingo Gardens says Sabal’s story is about what happens when a big cat can’t be returned to the wild.
Sabal was transferred to Flamingo Gardens from a facility in Georgia that could not provide for her long-term care. From here, she will live at Flamingo Gardens in a naturalistic habitat designed to support her health and development, with specialized care as she grows.
Flamingo Gardens describes Sabal as “human imprinted” and “non-releasable,” meaning she is not a candidate for release into the wild. Instead, the sanctuary says she will serve as an ambassador for her species, part of an education mission focused on the challenges facing wild pumas, including habitat loss and declining populations.
There’s another detail the sanctuary is emphasizing for Florida visitors: Sabal is a western cougar, identified as puma concolor, and not a true Florida panther subspecies, puma concolor coryi. Flamingo Gardens says her presence still creates an opportunity for the public to learn about one of Florida’s most iconic and endangered animals and the threats wild panthers face.
Starting this weekend, January 17, 2026, Flamingo Gardens plans to offer daily viewing of Sabal from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. as she completes an acclimation period. The sanctuary notes that the viewing window may change based on weather conditions and Sabal’s cooperation.
Updates on Sabal’s availability will be shared through Flamingo Gardens’ website and social media channels as the kitten settles into her new home.
Flamingo Gardens, founded in 1927, is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie dedicated to conservation, education, and preserving Florida’s native wildlife and natural habitats.
Hours & Location
Flamingo Gardens is located in Davie, Florida, and is open to the public daily. General operating hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. The Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary is included with admission. Limited viewing of Sabal is currently scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., subject to weather conditions and animal availability. Visitors are encouraged to check Flamingo Gardens’ website or social channels for updates before arriving.
