Idaho Falls snow leopard Ketu dies
The Idaho Falls Zoo’s male snow leopard Ketu lost his battle with acute kidney failure Tuesday.
“We knew the time to say goodbye would come sooner than later, and we’re going to miss him,” said carnivore keeper Dallas LaDucer.
Last July, the 7-year-old snow leopard was diagnosed with kidney failure. Since the diagnosis, Ketu’s blood values were monitored very closely, and he has been given fluids as needed. Overall, Ketu was doing well.
Unfortunately, late last week he took a turn for the worse. Blood tests showed he had severe, acute renal failure. His values were even worse Tuesday.
“Over the last nine months, Ketu received the best treatment, testing and professional consultations possible and his quality of life was constantly monitored,” said Dr. Rhonda Aliah, zoo veterinarian. “In fact, he far surpassed the length of time experts we consulted thought he would live.” He was humanely euthanized Tuesday.
Kidney failure is a common problem among domestic cats and a leading cause of death in household pets.
Why would an otherwise healthy, middle-aged cat have kidney failure?
“Unfortunately, we don’t know,” states Dr. Aliah who contacted veterinarians around the country involved in the care of snow leopards. “You could say it’s similar to an otherwise healthy person getting an unexpected illness,” states zoo veterinary technician Ali Holderman. “We don’t really understand what the causes are. We treated him to the best of our abilities which extended his life far past what was expected.”
At 14 years old, Ketu’s mate Sundari is nearing the end of her reproductive years but is quite healthy and doing very well.
Ketu and Sundari had three cubs, all of which were born at the Idaho Falls Zoo.
The most recent cub, Tashi, was born in 2016.
What’s next for the snow leopards at the Idaho Falls Zoo?
Zoo Director David Pennock says they will be working closely with the AZA’s snow leopard SSP to identify the best course of action for the zoo and the conservation of the snow leopard species.
