r/snowleopards • u/alexdionisos • 11h ago
OC Some of my favorite Tai Lung (Akron Zoo) photos I've taken. Really going to miss this old man.
Forgot to share this yesterday but here's the post from the zoo announcing his passing:
"We are heartbroken to share that our snow leopard, Tai Lung, passed away yesterday. At 17 years, 5 months old, he was one of the oldest male snow leopards in a zoo accredited by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The median life expectancy for snow leopards is 15 years, 5 months.
Due to his older age, Tai Lung was scheduled for a full exam. During the exam, it was discovered that Tai Lung’s kidney values were extremely high. Tai Lung was already being monitored for kidney disease, a common disease in cats. The increase in levels indicated advanced stage kidney failure. With this information, combined with progressive mobility issues, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
Tai Lung was a fan favorite with guests, and he knew it! He was talkative with his care team and he loved sunning himself and rolling around in the clover of his new habitat. His favorite treats were goat milk and baby food.
Tai Lung was born on May 26, 2009. He moved to the Akron Zoo in 2018 based on recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP). We are working with the SSP on a recommendation to bring a new snow leopard to the Akron Zoo"
