Remembering Ozzy, Snow Leopard

Over the course of Lincoln Park Zoo’s 156-year history, many animals have left their mark on the hearts of caretakers, staff, guests, and the entire city of Chicago. This makes Animal Remembrance Month, celebrated each September, especially meaningful here.

In late August, the zoo experienced the passing of Ozzy, a snow leopard, following a severe acute illness. Ozzy was a beautiful example of the species, who was instantly adored by his care team upon his arrival at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2021. He was often paired with mate Kennedi in their habitat, even though snow leopards are generally solitary, because they developed such a strong bond.

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

Kennedi is doing well, staff report, and has been spending more time indoors. Keepers are giving her time, attention, and plenty of opportunities to engage with enrichment while she adjusts to the change. She’s not the only one—many people at the zoo are currently getting used to life without Ozzy.

A Cat’s Life

Ozzy was born at Rosamund Gifford Zoo in 2018 in New York. At the age of 3, he was moved to Lincoln Park Zoo’s brand-new Pepper Family Wildlife Center. Ozzy’s gorgeously bushy tail could often be seen by guests as they left Park Place Café, dangling from a platform in his habitat as he took an afternoon catnap. Lucky guests might also have spotted him zooming around the habitat with Kennedi or climbing up the rocky facade in the back of their outdoor space.

Ozzy was a fan of pureed chicken, but he also loved meaty bones and “would do just about anything for ground rabbit,” notes Animal Care Specialist Chelsea Vann. She adds that he enjoyed water-based and scent enrichment and was an excellent hunter.

“Ozzy was engaging, chatty, and loved interacting with the enrichment our keepers offered him. He especially loved being scratched with his brush, which we often used as tactile reinforcement. Working with him was always a rewarding experience because he brought so much personality to every interaction,” Vann recalls.

She says that Ozzy was incredibly charismatic. He was also strong, independent, and had a playful side. “He would occasionally do a little parkour while bouncing around his holding area. He had a way of making even the simplest moments memorable,” Vann recalls.

What will she miss the most? Vann says, “His vocals and the chattiness he brought to our training sessions. He always had a lot to say and seemed like he had a whole story to tell us about his day. His voice was such a recognizable part of our daily routines, and it will be strange not hearing him anymore.”

An Ambassador for a Vulnerable Species

Snow leopards are big cats that live in Central Asia at high alpine elevations, which means they are adapted to cold and rocky conditions. They are known to be great jumpers—able to leap 20 feet high and 50 feet horizontally.

Although estimating snow leopard numbers is difficult, the International Union for Conservation of Nature believes that between 2,500–10,000 individuals exist in the wild, with a decline of 10% expected over the next three generations due to threats such as poaching. That means that Ozzy, and others like him, can connect people with the wonder and majesty of wildlife that could be lost if we don’t protect animals and their habitats. As an ambassador of his species, Ozzy was iconic, inspiring guests to learn more and care about snow leopards and the challenges they face in the wild.

“His impact reached far beyond his habitat, and he will be deeply missed by his zoo family, keepers, and all the people who had the opportunity to know him,” Vann says.