By The Telegram

A female snow leopard was euthanized Tuesday at Lee Richardson Zoo because of health issues, including kidney failure, from her advanced age.

According to zoo staff, the leopard would've been 18 next week and had been showing signs of declining health and activity for several years. A release from the zoo states "it was not until this past week that her symptoms were pronounced enough to prompt staff to reassess her quality of life."

Zoo Director Kathy Sexson stated in the release that over the last month, the leopard's appetite had decreased significantly, and keepers adjusted her diet daily to get her to eat. An exam and lab tests Tuesday confirmed kidney failure and significant weight loss. Sexson stated staff concluded euthanasia was the best medical option to relieve the leopard's discomfort.

Known as Ozeko to her keepers, the leopard arrived at Lee Richardson Zoo from New York's Bronx Zoo in December 1997. Ozeko has been displayed with two different male snow leopards at Lee Richardson.

A recommendation for a new mate for the zoo's remaining male will be made by the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan sometime this summer.