Critically Endangered Amur Leopard Zoya Dies at 21 in California Zoo

Zoya, one of the oldest Amur leopards in captivity, is remembered for her role in conservation efforts and inspiring visitors worldwide.

Zoya, a 21-year-old Amur leopard, passed away at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, California, last week.
She exceeded the typical lifespan of Amur leopards, which is 10 to 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity, making her one of the oldest of her species in human care.
Amur leopards are critically endangered, with fewer than 90 individuals estimated to remain in the wild, primarily in eastern Russia and northern China.
Zoo officials highlighted Zoya's contributions to raising awareness about endangered species and her ability to inspire a passion for wildlife conservation among visitors.
Despite her advanced age and declining kidney function, Zoya remained active and engaged, often enjoying her habitat's elevated vantage points and interacting with guests.