Melissa Kirkwood, Sunset Zoo
Sunset Zoo is mourning the loss of (Vladamir) Vlad, our male Amur leopard who called Sunset Zoo home for over 11 years. Vlad passed away of natural causes on November 25. At 20 years old, Vlad was one of the oldest living Amur leopards on record, exceeding the life expectancy of leopards in the wild, about 10-15 years, and in human care, which is about 18 years.
Vlad was born at Erie Zoo on February 9, 2004, and came to Sunset Zoo in October 2013, from Utah’s Hogle Zoo.
“Vlad was one of the biggest personalities that I had the privilege of caring for. I am honored to have worked with Vlad for his entire 11 years here at Sunset Zoo. I had the chance to build an amazing relationship with him through that time and am so thankful he had time to be in the new Expedition Asia habitat, which he loved,” said Large Cat Animal Keeper II, Denise LeRoux.
Sunset Zoo’s Expedition Asia is also home to two other critically endangered Amur leopards. Our male, Chobby, and female, Annika, have a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur leopard Species Survival Plan.
“Every animal makes a difference in the conservation of these critically endangered species. Every animal we care for is of utmost importance to us. The care he received here was top notch, and we have our amazing care staff to thank for his longevity. As we move forward in the journey of survival for the Amur leopard, we will continue to give care and aid in the future breeding of these amazing animals,” said Sunset Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker.
About Critically Endangered Amur Leopards
Amur Leopards, native to southeastern Russia and northern China, are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the 1970s, populations were threatened by poaching and habitat loss and numbers dropped below 30 individuals. Presently, there are estimated to be around 100 Amur leopards in the wild, making them one of the world’s most endangered big cats. Sunset Zoo and AZA are working to help conserve this species and there are currently 73 Amur leopards within 36 AZA facilities, including Chobby and Annika here at Sunset Zoo.
Tribute and Memory of Vlad
As a tribute to Vlad and to recognize the amazing life he led, we welcome the public to visit Sunset Zoo’s Nature Exploration Center throughout this month to celebrate his life with notes of remembrance. Many visitors have witnessed Vlad’s amazing personality and Sunset Zoo wants to give the community a chance to leave a note to give to our keeper staff. This opportunity will be available until the end of the year.
We also welcome the opportunity for the public to share pictures of Vlad throughout the years. Please continue to keep our animal care staff in your thoughts as they provided an amazing life for Vlad and continue to care for all our animals here at Sunset Zoo.
