SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 14, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah’s Hogle Zoo officials announced Sunday the 21-year-old snow leopard, Nema, has passed away.
A Facebook post from the Zoo said: “Hi Zoo friends — You know what it’s like when your sweet pet is getting older, and you know the end is near but you’re still not ready to say goodbye? That’s how we feel about our beautiful snow leopard, Nema, who passed away from her advanced age on Thursday. At 21 years old, we are proud to say that Nema was the oldest snow leopard in the Species Survival Plan.”
The Species Survival Plan is like “massive computer dating for zoo animals to ensure clean blood lines in zoo populations,” the post said.
“We attribute her longevity to the wonderful daily care and healthcare the Zoo provides; Hogle Zoo is home to many senior animals,” the post said.
Nema played an important role in the survival of her critically endangered species, officials said.
“She gave birth to Himal, who moved to a zoo in New England,” the post said. “And in 2012, she gave birth to Chimeegui (Chim) who is still living here in Asian Highlands.
Nema was a very talkative and personable cat and her regal presence will be greatly missed.”
Anyone who would like more information on the conservation work Hogle Zoo is doing to help protect this species in the wild, click on this link and head to Snow Leopard Trust.
