Snow leopard dies in US zoo after contracting Covid-19

A snow leopard died after contracting Covid-19 at Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois (USA).

Rilu, who was 11, battled Covid-19-induced pneumonia before dying, according to a post on Miller Park Zoo’s verified Instagram account.

“Rilu arrived at Miller Park Zoo in 2011 from the Oklahoma City Zoo,” said the post. “During his time here, he produced seven living offspring that are now part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP).”

“He has made Miller Park Zoo one of the world’s leading institutions in the production of snow leopard cubs.”

“Rilu’s personality and beauty will be missed by guests and staff, but he won’t be forgotten.”

Snow leopards are a vulnerable species, according to the World Wildlife Fund. With an estimated population of 4,000 to 6,500, the main threats to its survival are hunting, habitat loss and the climate crisis.

Wildlife photographer Joel Sartore, who captured Rilu on film, paid tribute to the snow leopard in a post on his verified Instagram account.

“We are very sad to share the news that Rilu, an 11-year-old snow leopard who died of Covid complications,” said Sartore.

“Snow leopards are proving to be extremely susceptible to the disease, and it is often fatal. If you have not yet received a vaccine and booster, do so. At stake is more than just human lives. Thanks.”

Cases of zoo animals infected with Covid-19 have been previously reported. In December, two hippos tested positive for Covid-19 at a zoo in Antwerp, Belgium. A month earlier, three snow leopards had died at Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska, due to complications related to Covid-19.

“I love that Rilu’s legacy will live on at Photo Ark. Rilu will engage and amaze the world for years to come,” said Jay Tetzloff, the zoo’s superintendent, according to the Miller Park Zoo Instagram post.