Miracle kitty survives fall off Bryce Canyon cliff

Following a tragic accident at Bryce Canyon, Mirage, a 12-year-old cat, is recovering at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary - safe, healing and surrounded by love.

Left to right:

• Mirage the brown tabby cat being held by gloved hands. Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society.

• Mirage receiving an X-ray at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary veterinary clinic. Photo by Molly Wald.

On April 29, a heartbreaking fall at Bryce Canyon claimed the lives of two people, leaving a ripple of sorrow in its wake. The national park isn’t far from Best Friends, and when the news broke, our hearts went out to the families, friends and all those affected by the tragic loss.

Then, amid the tragedy, a miracle emerged: A 12-year-old cat, now named Mirage, somehow survived the fall. She was found beside the victims in a soft sided carrier, covered in dirt and mud - shaken, but alive.

The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Best Friends for help, and Mirage was soon in safe hands at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She arrived sore and matted, with fractured ribs and a story only she knows. Even so, she greeted the world with quiet grace - calm, gentle, and affectionate. She’s eating and drinking on her own, and with steady attention from the veterinary team, she’s getting the care she needs. She’s expected to make a full recovery.

“She’s a very sweet girl and doing very well,” says Judah Battista, Best Friends chief Sanctuary officer. “It’s remarkable.”

Whatever Mirage has endured, her journey now is one of comfort and care. Best Friends is working closely with local authorities to learn whether any extended family members may wish to bring Mirage home. If not, a new home will be found for her when the time is right.