AKRON, Ohio — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous, unrelated report.
The Akron Zoo is mourning the loss of one its snow leopards, Shanti.
According to officials, Shanti's health began to decline in recent days and her care team decided to humanely euthanize her on Tuesday.
The 50-acre non-profit confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
" It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Shanti," the Zoo wrote in the post.
In July, Shanti's care team confirmed that she had advanced chronic kidney and heart diseases. At that time, her care was switched to palliative care, in hopes of "providing her with the best quality of life and comfort as possible as she neared the end of her life," the zoo stated.
Shanti, was a zoo favorite, having won "Top Animal" in the past and being dubbed the "mother of the Akron Zoo," by guests.
“Shanti was the embodiment of the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO. “Our guests were able to connect with her through her story, and her legacy will live on through her grown cubs. Thank you to our animal care and veterinary teams, who have provided Shanti with exceptional care throughout the years, especially at the end of her life. Shanti will be missed by the entire Akron Zoo family, including our visitors.”
She came to the Akron Zoo in June of 2009 after being born at Binder Park Zoo in Michigan on June 16, 2008.
Over her years, she has welcomed eight snow leopard cubs – Raj and Sabu in 2012, Malaya and Makalu in 2014, Altai, Layan and Asha in 2016 and Baya in 2019.
"Shanti was an amazing cat to work with,” said lead carnivore keeper, Mark Schneider. “She was the best mother and she really loved interacting with us keepers. It was an honor to be part of her journey.”
Shanti the snow leopard was 13 years old.
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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.