POCATELLO — Zoo Idaho’s adorable and ferocious cougar kitten will officially receive her name during a special community naming event this weekend.

The city of Pocatello and Mayor Mark Dahlquist have invited the community to join them for a naming ceremony at noon on July 17 at Zoo Idaho, 3000 S. Second Ave.

“Zoo Idaho invites the public to join in welcoming the resilient young cougar to her new home and celebrating the official announcement of her name,” a city of Pocatello press release said.

Following a public naming contest that generated more than 500 name suggestions, Zoo Idaho staff narrowed the choices to three finalists: Roxanne, Purrsephone and Clawdia.

The community was then invited to vote online for their favorite name with a $5 donation per vote. The campaign received more than 600 votes and raised more than $3,000 to support the cougar’s renovated habitat.

The event will also mark the first time the cougar kitten is introduced to the public in her newly renovated exhibit.

The cougar arrived at Zoo Idaho with two other orphaned kittens from Wyoming after losing their mother. Shortly after arriving, all three kittens were diagnosed with feline panleukopenia. Despite extensive veterinary care, only one kitten survived.

As a rescue facility, Zoo Idaho regularly provides care for orphaned, injured and non-releasable native wildlife.

The city said the community naming campaign and the renovated habitat celebrate not only the cougar’s remarkable recovery but also the community’s support for wildlife conservation.

“Every animal at Zoo Idaho has a story, and this cougar’s story is one of resilience,” said Peter Pruett, Zoo Idaho manager. “She overcame tremendous odds, and thanks to the support of our community, she’ll now have a beautiful new habitat to call home. We’re excited to welcome everyone as we reveal her name and celebrate this remarkable chapter.”