2008 Woodie Awards
One of North America's oldest pumas dies
Issue date: 11/6/06 Section: News Briefs
A Chicago zoo euthanized one of North America's oldest pumas in captivity on Wednesday, saying the animal's health had deteriorated in recent days.
The 19-year-old female puma had lived at the Lincoln Park Zoo since 1990, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing a news release from the North Side facility.
Pumas, also known as cougars or mountain lions, are native to the Americas. They are listed as threatened in the United States.
The Lincoln Park Zoo's puma had been undergoing treatment for severe arthritis to the spine and was known to have kidney failure. During the past week, she lost her appetite, and began vomiting and losing weight, officials said.
A necropsy, or animal autopsy, will be conducted on the puma. But zoo officials noted her health had been steadily worsening due to old age.
The 19-year-old female puma had lived at the Lincoln Park Zoo since 1990, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing a news release from the North Side facility.
Pumas, also known as cougars or mountain lions, are native to the Americas. They are listed as threatened in the United States.
The Lincoln Park Zoo's puma had been undergoing treatment for severe arthritis to the spine and was known to have kidney failure. During the past week, she lost her appetite, and began vomiting and losing weight, officials said.
A necropsy, or animal autopsy, will be conducted on the puma. But zoo officials noted her health had been steadily worsening due to old age.
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