December
20 , 2000
Zoo loses endangered snow leopard cub
Contact:
Gigi Allianic, 206-.684-4838
Gigi.allianic@zoo.org
Woodland Park Zoo- PRESS RELEASE
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December
20 , 2000 Contact:
Gigi Allianic, 206-.684-4838 |
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| SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo regrets to announce the death of a 7-month-old, endangered male snow leopard cub. The cub had just undergone a hopeful round of treatments for a rare form of cancer. Preliminary necropsy results revealed an acute pneumonia in his lungs and signs consistent with a pulmonary embolism, which would account for the sudden complications and resulting death. "The death, although not totally unexpected due to the serious nature of the cub's illness, was a disappointing end to what had been a promising treatment for an otherwise terminal illness," according to zoo Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Darin Collins. The cub was diagnosed with a malignant tumor on his rear leg nearly a month ago, and in an incredible joint effort to save his life, the zoo, the International Snow Leopard Trust, and the University of Washington Radiation Oncology Department teamed up, last weekend, to perform a type of radiation therapy called high dose rate brachytherapy. Brachytherapy targets the margins of a cancerous site by introducing radioactive "seeds" to the area through catheters implanted a few millimeters apart. Zoo staff had made the collective decision that the cat would not likely tolerate the necessary handling or multiple and lengthy immobilizations necessary for a more aggressive or comprehensive treatment traditionally used for this rare cancer in people. The cub's treatments were completely underwritten by the generosity of an anonymous donor from the International Snow Leopard Trust. And because radiation was involved, the cub underwent the procedure at the University of Washington Medical Center's Radiation Oncology Department which is licensed to use radiation therapeutically. The care for this special cub was provided for by a team of medical and veterinary experts. The original surgical procedure to remove the tumor was performed by consulting zoo surgeon Dr. Ken Sinibaldi and early consultations were with Dr. Kerri Meleo, a veterinary oncologist, and an all-volunteer team of University doctors and staff. According to Woodland Park Zoo Director Mike Waller, "We knew the cub's prognosis was guarded, but we remained very optimistic about its survival. The zoo is extremely grateful to the University of Washington, the International Snow Leopard Trust, and Dr. Sinibaldi and Dr. Meleo for all of their help trying to save this genetically important snow leopard cub." The male snow leopard cub was born May 28, along with two female cubs. This significant birth represents the first offspring for both the 7-year old mother and 13-year-old father, and the first at the zoo since 1991. Nearly 30 years ago, Woodland Park Zoo curator Helen Freeman helped initiate the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and founded the International Snow Leopard Trust. The zoo continues today to participate in the SSP's cooperative breeding program which manages the entire North American gene pool of snow leopards. In addition to ensuring a genetically diverse, viable population of the species, the SSP also helps sustain this highly endangered cat through public education, conservation fieldwork and scientific research. In 1998, the zoo joined the International Snow Leopard Trust's Natural Partnerships Program by paying for a country conservation officer in Pakistan. Most recently the Woodland Park Zoological Society made a $65,000 challenge grant to the Trust to support conservation programs in the twelve range countries of the endangered snow leopard in the high mountains of Central Asia.
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