Amur Leopard Dies at The Living Desert

A rare 19-year-old female Amur leopard was euthanized humanely under American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines after a major decline in her health, The Living Desert announced today.  

The leopoard, named Kishka, suffered from chronic age-related kidney disease, which was first diagnosed in 2010.  Reports say she also suffered from a decreased appetite over the last 10 days.  

“She also suffered from degenerative disc disease resulting in significant discomfort when running or jumping,” said Living Desert veternarian Dr. Kevin Leiske.  “This combined with the progressice nature of the renal disease, compromised her quality of life significantly.  She long exceeded her expected her life-span and sadly, it was simply ‘her time’.”  

Amur leopards generally live 10 to 12 years, according the Stacey Johnson, President and CEO of The Living Desert.  

Johnson says the zoo is looking to procure two more Amur leopards, but will not bring in a younger animal as a companion to Kishka’s brother, Khan, who will live out his life in the exhibit.