Zoya, the Amur Leopard, Passes Away at 21
Staff at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert are mourning the passing of Zoya, an Amur leopard that had been a resident of the zoo for the past 11 years.
About Zoya
Zoya, one of the rarest cats on Earth and one of the oldest Amur leopards in captivity, died Tuesday at the age of 21, outliving the typical life expectancy of her species in both the wild (10-15 years) and in human care (15-20 years).
Zoya’s Life at the Zoo
“It comes with deep sadness from all of us at The Living Desert as we share the news that Zoya… has passed away,” the zoo shared in a statement. “Her calm and majestic demeanor gave a sense of awe-inspiring serenity. Her engagements with guests helped to share the story of the vulnerable Amur leopard species each day.”
Zoya enjoyed surveying her surroundings from elevated perches in her habitat. She could often be seen basking on her favorite rock or watching warthogs and zoo visitors from afar.
Zoya’s Impact
Throughout her life, Zoya served as a vital ambassador for her species, zoo officials said, helping to raise awareness about the plight of Amur leopards and the importance of global conservation efforts.
Conclusion
The Living Desert encouraged the community to honor Zoya’s memory by appreciating nature and life’s small, peaceful moments, much like she did. “Though every story has an end, we know that Zoya’s story will live on in our hearts,” the zoo said.
FAQs
Q: How old was Zoya when she passed away?
A: Zoya was 21 years old when she passed away.
Q: How long had Zoya been a resident of the Living Desert Zoo?
A: Zoya had been a resident of the Living Desert Zoo for 11 years.
Q: What was Zoya’s typical life expectancy in the wild and in human care?
A: Zoya’s typical life expectancy in the wild was 10-15 years, and in human care, it was 15-20 years.
Q: What did Zoya do to help raise awareness about the plight of Amur leopards?
A: Zoya served as a vital ambassador for her species, helping to raise awareness about the plight of Amur leopards and the importance of global conservation efforts.
