Critically endangered leopard dies at age 21 in California zoo
Associated PressLOS ANGELES — A critically endangered species of leopard has died at a Southern California zoo. Zoya, a 21-year-old Amur leopard, died of old age at 21 at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert last Tuesday after over a decade there, zoo officials announced. Zoo officials said that even in old age and with decreasing kidney function, Zoya remained “spry and athletic.” She enjoyed being up high where she could watch the warthogs and guests, as well as lying on her rock overlooking the pond in the mornings, officials said. Appreciate those special, tranquil moments throughout the day.” Efforts have been made to stop illegal poaching of Amur leopards, protect their natural habitat and increase the population of prey animals like deer and wild boar, according to the World Wildlife Fund. There are more than 200 Amur leopards in 94 institutions around the world, including the San Diego Zoo, the Santa Barbara Zoo, and the Minnesota Zoo.
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Critically endangered leopard dies at age 21 in California zoo
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