Snow Leopard dies from COVID-induced pneumonia at Miller Park Zoo

Posted on January 6, 2022
Miller Park Zoo Jay Tetzloff said Rilu would be missed. (Photo courtesy: Joel Sartore)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A 11-year old Snow Leopard has died from COVID-induced pneumonia at Miller Park Zoo.

Miller Park Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff said Rilu, the snow leopard, will be missed by guests and staff.

“Rilu arrived at the Miller Park Zoo in 2011 from the Oklahoma City Zoo. He produced seven living offspring that are now part of the Species Survival Plan during his time here.

He made the Miller Park Zoo one of the leading institutions in the world for producing Snow Leopard cubs.”

Pictures of Rilu have been shown all over the world, including the Empire State Building in New York.

“Rilu will engage and astonish the world for many years to come,” Tetzloff added.

According to a news release, masks are required at all indoor spaces at Miller Park Zoo.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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