Lincoln Park Zoo Mourns Death of Snow Leopard Ozzy in Chicago

Eight-year-old snow leopard was a favorite among keepers and visitors

CHICAGO — Lincoln Park Zoo has announced the death of Ozzy, an 8-year-old snow leopard who lived at the zoo’s Pepper Family Wildlife Center with his mate, Kennedi. Zoo officials said Ozzy died after a rapid deterioration in his health, marking the loss of an animal widely recognized by visitors for his bushy tail, energetic behavior and playful presence in the snow leopard habitat.

Ozzy had been part of the Chicago zoo’s animal community since 2021, when he arrived from New York as the Lincoln Park Zoo opened the Pepper Family Wildlife Center. He was born in 2018 at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, according to Lincoln Park Zoo.

Visitors often saw Ozzy napping with his distinctive tail hanging over a ledge or moving quickly through the enclosure. He and Kennedi were frequently observed running around their habitat together and climbing the rocky wall at the rear of the exhibit, zoo officials said.

Keepers remember Ozzy’s balance of calm and playfulness

Cassy Kutilek, the zoo’s curator of mammals, said Ozzy formed strong connections with both animal-care staff and the public during his time in Chicago. Keepers said he particularly enjoyed training sessions, where chicken puree was his preferred reward.

“Ozzy touched the lives of so many — both guests and staff alike — and quickly became a favorite of every keeper who had the honor of working with him,” Kutilek said. “He had a stoic yet playful personality that was a perfect balance to his mate Kennedi’s exuberance.”

Although snow leopards are generally solitary in the wild, Ozzy and Kennedi often spent time together at the zoo, according to animal experts. Staff said they will monitor Kennedi’s behavior in the coming weeks following Ozzy’s death.

Loss comes amid threats to snow leopards in the wild

The death also draws attention to the broader conservation challenges facing snow leopards, which inhabit high-altitude mountain regions across Central Asia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has cited threats including poaching and climate change, which can alter and fragment the species’ mountain habitat.

Modern zoo habitats and animal-care programs can provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about species facing pressure in the wild, while also allowing care teams to closely monitor an animal’s health and behavior. Ozzy’s presence at the Pepper Family Wildlife Center made him a familiar part of that effort for thousands of Chicago visitors.

In its statement, Lincoln Park Zoo said Ozzy’s death is being felt throughout its staff and volunteer community. “His larger-than-life personality will be missed by zoo staff, volunteers, and visitors alike,” the zoo said. Kennedi remains under observation as the zoo continues to monitor her adjustment.