Five Sisters Zoo announce death of 'much-loved' clouded leopard

A West Lothian zoo has announced the death of its “much-loved” clouded leopard.

The Five Sisters Zoo welcomed Cirrus in March 2022, alongside male Peckham, after being rehomed from a private facility.

It was discovered that the 10-year-old had developed a fast-growing, aggressive tumour. On Tuesday, Cirrus died following after she faced serious health challenges.

Five Sisters Zoo described her as “truly sweet” and of a “gentle nature”.

A post from the park read: “Cirrus held a unique place in the hearts of our visitors. She quickly became one of our most popular residents, with many guests spending time patiently hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

“While it is never easy to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that she was cared for with love and dedication throughout her time with us, and that she brought so much joy to so many people.”

The pair were the only snow leopards residing in Scotland.

The felines are native to the mountain ranges Central and South Asia. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the leopards are a vulnerable species