MARWELL Zoo has announced the sad death of its last Amur leopard.
The zoo near Colden Common announced on its Facebook page this morning that Akin has died following deteriorating health associated with his old age.
A post on the zoo’s Facebook page said: “Born at Olomouc Zoo in Czech Republic on 19 May 2001, Akin arrived at Marwell aged one in May 2002.
“As part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme, an endangered species breeding programme, Akin has sired six healthy cubs and one of his daughters Kanika, who left us in 2016, recently gave birth to a female cub at Santa Barbara Zoo, California.
“Akin, 20, was a majestic, fearless leopard who loved lazing around in the afternoon sun. “For 19 years our guests have been awe-struck by his beauty and strength. Akin will be sorely missed by his keepers and everyone who knew him.”
It added: “Marwell is no longer home to Amur leopards. Please bear with us while we consider a new species for the habitat.”
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