The Akron Zoo is mourning the loss of its elderly snow leopard, Tai Lung. At 17 years, 5 months old, Tai Lung 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 elderly 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 born on May 26, 2009. He moved to the Akron Zoo in 2018 based on recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP). 

“Tai Lung was a great snow leopard with a lot of personality,” said Tyler McCullough, primary snow leopard keeper. “He was very talkative and was great to work in training. He loved goat milk and baby food, sunning himself and rolling in the clover. I am going to miss him a lot.”

The Akron Zoo is working with the Snow Leopard SSP on a recommendation to bring a new snow leopard to the zoo.