Covid-19 blamed for death of three snow leopards at zoo

Nebraska – Three snow leopards at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo recently passed away from the Covid-19 virus. The zoo issued a release about the deaths via social media on November 12, explaining that the leopards, named Ranney, Everest, and Makalu, died from Covid-19 complications.

On Facebook, the zoo wrote:

“It is with deep sadness that we inform our community that three snow leopards at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo have passed away due to complications of COVID-19. Our leopards, Ranney, Everest, and Makalu, were beloved by our entire community inside and outside of the zoo. This loss is truly heartbreaking, and we are all grieving together.”

In mid-October, the zoo had stated that the three snow leopards, and two Sumatran tigers, had tested positive for the virus. According to the zoo’s release, the tigers, named Axl and Kumar, seem to have made a full recovery.

Last month, a snow leopard at a South Dakota zoo also died from Covid-19. On October 08, the Great Plains Zoo mourned the loss of the rare feline, whose name was Baya:

“Your Great Plains Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the death of snow leopard, Baya.
Baya first exhibited symptoms of a cough on Sunday, and experienced a rapid decline in her respiratory function over the next days. Despite the staff’s arduous efforts, Baya passed away the evening of October 7.”

Becky Dewitz, GPZ CEO, said:

“This loss is a deep wound, and our team grieves together.”

The Covid-19 virus has multiple animal reservoirs, with infections impacting tigers, snow leopards, mink, cats, dogs, deer, and more. Read more about how these animal reservoirs can impact the virus at this link.

(Feature image via Pixabay – stock image, not the snow leopards who died)

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