The Lincoln Zoo in Nebraska, USA, is mourning the death of three snow leopards ( Panthera uncia ) who have died due to complications with COVID-19.
The snow leopard is in a vulnerable state according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). Only a few thousand animals remain in the wild, and captives represent a very important reserve population nucleus for the species.
Hence this news is so sad. All three leopards, named Everest, Makalu and Ranney, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in October. All were treated with steroids and antibiotics and were expected to make a full recovery . But it has not been that way. All three had complications associated with the disease and died.
"It is with deep sadness that we inform our community that three snow leopards at Lincoln Children's Zoo have died due to complications from COVID-19," the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “Our leopards, Ranney, Everest and Makalu, were loved by our entire community inside and outside the zoo. This loss is truly heartbreaking and we are all grieving . "
