Lincoln Park Zoo Mourns the Loss of Snow Leopard Ozzy

CHICAGO (August 27, 2026) – Lincoln Park Zoo reports on August 26 that beloved snow leopard Ozzy died following a rapid deterioration in his health. The zoo is grateful to the veterinary and animal care teams that conducted extensive diagnostic testing, including advanced imaging in consultation with our partners at MedVet, and provided intensive supportive care during Ozzy’s final days.

The resident male in the snow leopard pair at Pepper Family Wildlife Center, Ozzy often surprised and delighted guests as they exited Park Place Café and caught a glimpse of his incredibly bushy tail dangling down from above as he took an afternoon cat nap on one of his habitat platforms. If guests were particularly lucky, they might have even seen him zooming around the habitat with mate Kennedi or climbing up the rocky façade at the back of their outdoor area.

Ozzy was born in 2018 at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in New York and arrived at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2021 in conjunction with the opening of Pepper Family Wildlife Center. During his time here, Ozzy always showed an interest in his training sessions and particularly enjoyed chicken puree as a special treat.

“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,” said Curator of Mammals Cassy Kutilek. “He had a stoic yet playful personality that was a perfect balance to his mate Kennedi’s exuberance.”

Although snow leopards are considered a solitary species, Ozzy and Kennedi often chose to spend time together both in their outdoor habitat and behind the scenes. The zoo will continue to monitor Kennedi’s behavior in the weeks following the loss of Ozzy.

Snow leopards are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Poaching and retaliatory killings from human-wildlife conflict are two major threats to the wild snow leopard population. Another huge threat is climate change, which is causing temperatures to rise in the mountainous regions of central Asia where snow leopards live.

Ozzy’s loss is felt throughout the entire Lincoln Park Zoo family. His larger-than-life personality will be missed by zoo staff, volunteers, and visitors alike.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.