Syracuse, N.Y. — A male snow leopard enjoyed by visitors for years at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse has died.
The leopard, Senge, died at 17 years old from age-related illness, the zoo said Tuesday morning.
Hundreds of people commented on the zoo’s Facebook post announcing Senge’s death:
- “Such a sad moment. He was always one of my favorite animals at this zoo!”
- “He was beautiful!”
- “He was always so fun to try & find where he was napping in his habitat.”
Senge’s “presence and personality” helped spread awareness and promote the conservation of wild snow leopards, zoo officials said.
He was father to six cubs, according to the zoo’s Collection Manager Theo Campbell.
Senge was born at Oklahoma City Zoo. He came to Syracuse in 2011.
The zoo’s female snow leopard, Daania, is in good health and can be seen on exhibit, officials said. She’s the only snow leopard at the zoo.
Another longtime beloved animal at the zoo — Muppet the porcupine — died late last month.
Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.