AKRON — 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), according to Akron Zoo officials. 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 decision was made to humanely euthanize him, according to zoo officials…