SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 22, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Hogle Zoo has announced the death of male snow leopard Chimeegui (chim-a-gwee), commonly known as Chim, “who was humanely euthanized on Aug. 17, 2024,” Saturday.
“Animal care and health teams recently observed muzzle swelling and drainage in Chim (age 12),” the Zoo news release says.
“Zoo teams responded immediately to determine the cause and created treatment options as his health rapidly declined. Hogle Zoo’s animal health team conducted a necropsy and is waiting for pathology results.
“The zoo is collaborating with MedVet for additional testing, including a CT scan and MRI, to better understand the cause.”
Born at Hogle Zoo in April 2012, Chim was known for his vocal nature, often observed vocalizing with yowls and mewing to his care team, the statement says.
In 2021, Babs (4) came to Hogle Zoo from the Toledo Zoo on a breeding recommendation with Chim from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan. SSPs guide healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining animal populations under human care.
Chim recently sired two healthy snow leopard cubs with Babs in June 2024. As snow leopards are solitary by nature, Chim was not involved in the birth or raising of the cubs, the statement says.
“Currently, Babs and her cubs are not visible to guests as they continue to adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment.
“For a vulnerable species like snow leopards, every birth creates opportunities for future generations. With the birth of his two cubs, Chim helped contribute significantly to the conservation of vulnerable snow leopards.”
Hogle Zoo will continue to work with AZA and the Snow Leopard SSP to support populations under human care, the Zoo statement says.
Found throughout Asia, from the southern Himalayas westward through Pakistan and north to the Russian mountain ranges, snow leopards are known for their elusive and mostly solitary nature. With pale gray coats that act like natural camouflage, snow leopards have evolved to live in some of the most remote environments and are often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains.”
Previous Hogle Zoo deaths this summer include that of Chim, the snow leopard, on Aug. 17; and Ryder, the black-footed cat, on July 22.
