The Great Bend Zoo staff were saddened to share Tuesday the passing of the zoo’s geriatric African Leopard, Toby, who was 19 years old.

Since mid-March, staff have been closely monitoring and treating Toby, including palliative care around the clock, according to a statement issued by Community Coordinator Christina Hayes.

“Unfortunately, they were fighting against aging, which is a losing battle. African Leopards typically live 10-12 years in the wild and while they can live to 23 years under human care, 15-20 is more common.” 

A necropsy was performed, and preliminary results show he was in kidney failure. Additional samples were sent to the K-State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for further testing. Renal (kidney) disease is common in aging felines and can be managed but not cured.

“Toby came to the zoo in 2004 as a cub and was raised by the keepers,” the statement read. “He was a special cat to all who met him and he held a special place in his keepers’ hearts. Toby always ran out to greet you in the morning and one of his favorite activities was playing hide and seek with his keepers. Please keep the zookeepers in mind as his passing leaves a huge hole in their hearts and he will be greatly missed.”