Posted by Gigi Allianic, Communications
Dillin had a calm, gentle, and sometimes aloof disposition.Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo |
We mourn the loss of a male snow leopard, Dillin (pronounced DIH-Dean). The 17-year-old cat was humanely euthanized on January 17 after developing severe respiratory illness in addition to a severe exacerbation of renal failure.
Snow leopards in zoos have an average lifespan of 17-19 years.according to Snow Leopard Trustlife expectancy for snow leopards in their natural habitat is likely to be 10–12 years, as life in the wild is much more difficult.
The elderly snow leopard was diagnosed with kidney disease more than a year ago, and animal health teams have been following its progress with trained blood draws and urine tests, according to Dr. Tim Storms, Director of Animal Health at Woodland Park Zoo. It is said that “Dillin’s condition has deteriorated very dramatically over the past two weeks, especially in the last few days, when his breathing pattern has changed and we have made the decision to humanely euthanize him,” Storms said.
Sweet Dillin.Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo |
In 2014, Dillin moved from the Oklahoma City Zoo to the Woodland Park Zoo, where she gave birth to two cubs. He moved here on the recommendation of the Snow Leopard Species Survival Program, a certified zoo-wide breeding program. In 2017, Dillin and his spouse Helen welcomed their son Ibek at the Woodland Park Zoo. Helen and Ibek remain at the Woodland Park Zoo, along with another female Malai.
“It’s always difficult and sad to say goodbye to the animals we care for. Dillin was known for his calm, gentle, sometimes aloof, and very feline personality,” said Wood. said Pat Owen, animal control manager at Land Park Zoo. “We will miss this beautiful snow leopard. Dillin was a true ambassador to our cousins in their natural habitat.”
As standard procedure, the zoo’s animal health team will conduct post-mortem examinations to further diagnose factors that may have contributed to the decline of snow leopards.
I miss you, Dillin.Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo |
In honor of Dillin, snow leopards are now available for adoption by the public through zoo facilities. zooparent programsupports zoo animal care, education and wildlife conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.
Woodland Park Zoo has been caring for snow leopards since the first arrived from the Soviet Union in 1972. Under the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan, he produced 35 pups at the zoo, contributing to the diversification of the genetic pool of the managed population.
Child of female Helen and Dirin’s son Ibek in 2017. Photo: Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren/Woodland Park Zoo |
The snow leopard is a medium-sized cat that lives in the high mountains of Central Asia and Russia, including Afghanistan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pakistan. The wild population of these endangered big cats is estimated at 3,920 to 6,390, according to the Seattle-based Snow Leopard Trust.
To ensure the future of the snow leopard, the zoo asks local communities to support the zoo and its animals. Snow Leopard Trust, and pledge not to buy or sell illegal animal products on the black market. The Snow Leopard Trust (SLT) was founded in his 1981 by the late Helen Freeman, the staff member of the Woodland Park Zoo (helen’s namesake who still remains at the zoo today). Through innovative programs, effective partnerships and cutting-edge science, SLT saves these vulnerable cats and improves the lives of people living in Central Asian snow leopard countries.
Female snow leopard, Malai.Photo: Dennis Dow/Woodland Park Zoo |
Visit the zoo’s snow leopards, Helen, Ibec and Malai in their Australasia habitat. Funds from your admission ticket support snow leopard and other wildlife conservation projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world.