On Tuesday, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo announced the passing of Ussuri, an elderly Amur leopard on April 23. His death came shortly after two of the zoo's four California sea lions passed away from unrelated causes.
The 18-year old leopard came to the zoo at the age of 15, with the intention he live out his life in retirement in Fort Wayne, according to a Facebook post from zoo staff.
The Amur leopard is a critically endangered species.
Other than arthritis managed by medication, the cat did not show any signs of illness until April 20 when his animal care team noticed a lump on his neck. Medications failed to reduce the swelling and on April 23 an exam revealed cancer which was affecting the back of his throat. Biopsies were taken, but during recovery, Ussuri stopped breathing.
The zoo's medical staff awaits confirmation of the type of cancer, which was found to have been extensive and spread to multiple areas.
According to the Facebook post, his keepers "say he was a very talkative cat and they will miss his morning and evening greetings that were half meow/half growl. They were honored to work with such a charismatic animal and will miss his beautiful spirit. Ussuri was an amazing ambassador for his critically endangered wild counterparts."
