Snow leopardess from Warsaw Zoo dies due to COVID-19 complications

Warsaw Zoo said that Ayana had gone through respiratory system infection at the end of November, 2021. "As soon as Ayana's respiratory system started showing symptoms, we tested her. Although the test results were negative, the antibodies test showed she had contact with the virus. And so what we were observing, were post-infection complications," said Warsaw Zoo spokesperson Anna Karczewska.

Ayana was then placed under the care of doctors who fought for her survival. Specialists in various fields helped them. "Unfortunately, on Jan. 17, respiratory symptoms became more severe and general health condition deteriorated. Despite immobilisation (with the use of sedatives and anaesthetics for the duration of medical examination) and an attempt to stabilise the snow leopards condition, Ayana eventually passed away due to respiratory failure," the zoo said in a statement.

According to the zoo, the leopardess was infected by a human. This was not the first case of a snow leopard testing positive for coronavirus, as cases have been recorded in the USA, as well as in Europe. The zoo informed a special team of veterinary doctors specialising in infections in leopards has been formed.

Data from various zoological gardens shows that coronavirus has been detected in such animal species as hyenas, lions, leopards, hippopotamuses, bearcats, fishing cats, nasuas, snow leopards, gorillas, otters, cougars, white-tailed deer, as well as mustelids, and canidae.

Immediately after Ayani tested positive, the male leopard was also checked. Although Jamir showed no symptoms, he shared the enclosure with the female. "The cat is under careful watch and care of veterinary doctors and keepers," Warsaw Zoo informed.

Ayana was born on August 11, 2015 in Nuremberg Zoo, and on August 24, 2017, it was admitted to Warsaw garden. Snow leopards live in Central Asia. They have broad and rather short paws. The snow leopard's fur is whitish to grey with black spots on head and neck, with larger rosettes on the back, flanks and bushy tail. They are very alert and vigilant, and their preferred wild prey species are Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, argali, markhor, and wild goat.