Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is sad to announce the passing of Sabu, a 12-year-old male snow leopard. Sabu was humanely euthanized following a continued decline in his health related to chronic kidney disease and other age-related conditions.
Zoo Boise shared an update on Sabu’s health earlier this summer as he began receiving increasingly specialized care. As his chronic conditions progressed, Sabu’s veterinary and animal care teams closely monitored his health, with a continued focus on his comfort and quality of life.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sabu, a beloved member of our zoo family,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Sara Arkle. “He holds a special place in the hearts of our staff, volunteers, and community. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we are profoundly grateful for the years we had with him and for the dedicated care he received throughout his life. Sabu brought joy, wonder, and meaningful connections to countless people, and we will carry those memories with us for years to come.”
Sabu received individualized care from a dedicated team of zookeepers, veterinary professionals, and specialists who knew him well and closely monitored changes in his health and behavior. His care included regular examinations, frequent weight monitoring, diagnostic testing, medications, nutritional supplements, supportive fluid therapy, and adjustments to his daily routine. That same attention, compassion, and expertise guided the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Sabu when his quality of life could no longer be maintained.
In the wild, snow leopards generally have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years.
Born in 2014, Sabu arrived at Zoo Boise in 2020 and quickly became a popular member of the zoo family. Over the past six years, his calm personality and striking appearance made him a favorite among staff, volunteers, members, and guests. For many visitors, seeing Sabu was a memorable part of a trip to Zoo Boise and offered a personal connection with a species few people will ever have the opportunity to see in the wild.
As an ambassador for his species, Sabu inspired guests to learn more about snow leopards and the challenges they face in their native habitat. Snow leopards are classified as vulnerable in the wild, and Sabu helped make the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats more meaningful and personal for the Boise community.
Sabu will be deeply missed by the zookeepers and veterinary professionals who cared for him, as well as the staff, volunteers, zoo members, and guests who came to know and love him over the years. Through the memories he created and the people he inspired to care about snow leopards and wildlife conservation, Sabu leaves a lasting legacy at Zoo Boise.
Guests who would like to remember Sabu are invited to leave cards, notes, or memories on a memorial board near the snow leopard habitat. The memorial provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate Sabu’s life, share memories, and offer support to the team members who cared for him.
About Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise has transformed the act of visiting the zoo into a conservation action. Since 2007, visits to Zoo Boise have generated more than $4.5 million toward the conservation of animals in the wild. Zoo Boise is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a national organization that supports excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and science.
