Rajan the snow leopard. PC: Fox 11 Online
SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The NEW Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its snow leopards after he recently lost his battle with kidney disease.
The zoo says Rajan the snow leopard had been undergoing treatment for kidney disease since early February of 2022.
The disease is common in older cats, the zoo wrote on Facebook, and although the disease can be managed for some time, there is no cure.
About a week ago, zookeepers noticed some subtle changes in Rajan’s behavior, including a decrease in appetite. A veterinary exam and tests revealed significant deterioration in his kidney function.
Rajan’s appetite and energy levels continued to decrease, and after consultation with our veterinary staff, all his caretakers, and our animal welfare specialist, the decision was made to humanely euthanize Rajan this week.
The 16-year-old snow leopard called the NEW Zoo home since May of 2019, coming to Suamico from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
His main caretaker tells us that Rajan was her most handsomest, favorite boy. Rajan wasn’t motivated by food like most cats, but instead he loved to hear “baby talk” telling him what a good, handsome floof he was during his training sessions. His favorite thing to do was enjoy scent enrichments – he LOVED cardamom the most, but cinnamon and nutmeg were also special favorites that he loved to roll around in and rub his face against.
Rajan’s death comes as work continues on a new snow leopard exhibit.
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