Obituaries

Khan the Leopard Euthanized Following Age-Related Kidney Disease and Physical Decline

Khan, an aging Amur leopard with kidney disease, was euthanized Oct. 15 at The Living Desert, according to an announcement. Amur leopards are critically endangered, with fewer than 45 in the wild, according to The Living Desert.

Here is The Living Desert's statement:

It is with a heavy heart that The Living Desert staff reports Khan, the park's beloved 21-year-old Amur leopard, was humanely euthanized Tuesday morning following a period of age-related kidney disease and physical decline. The life expectancy of Amur leopards is 10-15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in zoos.

"Although Khan lived a long and healthy life, and was one of the oldest Amur leopards, his passing has left us with a great sadness and we'll miss him tremendously,"says Stacey Johnson, President & CEO of The Living Desert. "Khan has been adored ever since he first came to the park about 14 years ago, and awed us with his majestic beauty."

The park's zookeepers and veterinary staff were closely watching and tending to the elderly leopard as his health was declining, and making his final days as comfortable as possible. Upon Khan's passing, a necropsy (animal autopsy) was performed at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center, which confirmed his complete renal failure.

Amur leopards are critically endangered animals with fewer than 45 in the wild, and approximately 300 in managed breeding programs. Khan was the park's only current leopard, and resided in the area outside the District Commissioner’s House. During his tenure at The Living Desert, he brought focus to his species endangered status and educated countless visitors.

The Living Desert is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoo and gardens, dedicated to conservation and education. For more info call (760) 346-5694 or visit www.LivingDesert.org. The Living Desert is located at 47900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert.


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