MONCTON, NB – Sad news from the Magnetic Hill Zoo.

A 15-year-old female cougar named Squeak passed away suddenly yesterday.

Zoo general manager Bruce Dougan says the animal will be sorely missed by staff.

“She had a tendency to talk to you, when you would talk to her she would squeak back and that’s where she got her name.  She was very friendly, a great animal with a wonderful personality.”

Dougan says a necropsy showed that she died of an infection from a growth that had never been detected.

Squeak leaves behind her exhibit mate, Lee, who is still in good health.