Louisville Zoo staff ‘deeply saddened’ by loss of 14-year-old snow leopard Kimti

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Louisville Zoo announced on Wednesday that a 14-year-old snow leopard, Kimti, passed away.

“Kimti was a wonderful ambassador who helped us educate guests about animals with special needs,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Saying goodbye is never easy, and we know our community joins us in grieving this special cat.”

Zoo staff wrote in a news release that Kimti had battled for years with severe hip dysplasia and arthritis. When his condition worsened, the veterinary team had to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.

Staff at the zoo said Kimti was known to playfully chase golf carts and explore the passages of Snow Leopard Pass, where his friends NeeCee and Meru still live.

Louisville Zoo officials wrote that, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, scientists estimate that only between 3,920 and 6,390 snow leopards remain in the wild today.