Chim's Lasting Legacy
Utah’s Hogle Zoo Mourns the Passing of Male Snow Leopard.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is mourning the loss of male snow leopard, Chimeegui (chim-a-gwee), who passed away on August 17, 2024. We recently observed muzzle swelling and drainage in Chimeegui (12), also lovingly known as Chim. Animal care and health teams responded immediately to determine the cause and created treatment options as his health rapidly declined.
Our teams worked to closely monitor and care for Chim before we made the decision to humanely euthanize him. Though incredibly hard, we made this decision with kindness and consideration for Chim’s comfort. Our animal health team conducted a necropsy and is waiting for pathology results. We are collaborating with MedVet for additional testing, including a CT scan and MRI, to better understand the cause.
Chim has been a cherished resident since his birth at Hogle Zoo in 2012. Known for being a very chatty cat with much to say, he often greeted his keepers with his signature yowls and mews. He quickly won the hearts of everyone in Asian Highlands with his calm demeanor and eagerness to interact with visitors.
In 2021, Chim was joined by Babs, a female snow leopard, as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). In June 2024, Babs successfully delivered two healthy cubs. As snow leopards are solitary by nature, Chim was not involved in the birth or raising of the cubs.
Mom and cubs continue to do well in their daily routines behind the scenes. The cubs recently underwent their first 8-week veterinary checkup, and both are in good health. Currently, Babs and her cubs are not visible to guests as they continue to adapt safely and comfortably to their new environment.
We will continue to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Snow Leopard SSP to support populations under human care and the wellbeing of Babs and her cubs.
For a vulnerable species like snow leopards, every birth creates opportunities for future generations. With the birth of his two cubs, Chim helped contribute significantly to the conservation of vulnerable snow leopards. It was an immense privilege to have him in our care as an ambassador to his species.
This loss is deeply felt by our entire zoo team, and we understand that it is difficult news for our community to process. Thank you for your support and understanding as we mourn this loss. Chim will be dearly missed.
About Snow Leopards
Found throughout Asia, from the southern Himalayas westward through Pakistan and north to the Russian mountain ranges, snow leopards are known for their elusive and mostly solitary nature. With pale gray coats that act like natural camouflage, snow leopards have evolved to live in some of the most remote environments and are often referred to as the “ghost of the mountains.” Threatened by habitat loss, declines in natural prey, and illegal hunting, snow leopards are a vulnerable species with an estimated population of 4,000 and 6,590 remaining in the wild.
Animal Wellbeing
Hogle Zoo is committed to providing excellent animal wellbeing through individualized health care plans for each resident animal. Regular quality-of-life assessments are pivotal to achieving that commitment, which includes making the tough decision to humanely euthanize when a resident is diagnosed with a fatal ailment.
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Utah's Hogle Zoo
