Snow leopard dies at zoo after big cats quarantined with COVID-19

A snow leopard at the Great Plains Zoo has died after she and other big cats in the feline complex fell ill and one tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19

Baya died Thursday evening after becoming sick earlier this week, the zoo said in a statement Friday. It had announced earlier on Thursday that one of the Amur tigers, Keesa, had tested positive on Wednesday for the virus that causes COVID-19 and that all of the cats were quarantined.

Baya started exhibiting signs of a cough Sunday, which was followed by a loss of appetite and lethargy the next day, the zoo said. On Thursday, the snow leopard experienced a rapid decline of respiratory function. The zoo’s veterinarian consulted multiple veterinarian specialists, including members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums network. Broad-spectrum antibiotics and other supportive care were administered, and she was monitored continuously, the zoo said.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Baya,” CEO Becky Dewitz said. “Our animal care and veterinary staffs fought arduously and did their best to help give Baya a fighting chance. Each day, our animal care staff work to give our animals high quality care, and their passion and dedication is evident. This loss is a deep wound, and our team grieves together.”

Baya was 2 1/2 years old and came to the Great Plains Zoo from the Akron Zoo earlier this year as a breeding recommendation as part of the AZA Species Survival Plan program for snow leopards. Strut, the male she was paired with, is experiencing minor symptoms and is receiving prophylactic antibiotics and other supportive care, the zoo said. His condition was stable Friday afternoon.

“It is always tough when you lose any animal unexpectedly, especially one as rare as an endangered snow leopard,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of national zoo association. “AZA has every confidence in the professionals at Great Plains Zoo and the top-notch care they provide to all of the animals living at the zoo.”

The IUCN Red List identifies snow leopards are vulnerable in the wild, which was upgraded from endangered in 2017 thanks to conservation efforts across the globe.

Great Plains Zoo’s big cats quarantined with COVID-19