3 snow leopards die from COVID-19 complications at Nebraska zoo

Snow Leopard at the San Diego Zoo Suspected Positive for COVID-19

A snow leopard at the San Diego Zoo is suspected of being positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that leads to COVID-19, after several initial tests found the pathogen, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance said. (Credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance via Storyful)

LINCOLN, Neb. - Three snow leopards have died at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska of complications from COVID-19.

The zoo made the announcement in a Facebook post Friday, describing the deaths of the three leopards — named Ranney, Everest, and Makalu— as "truly heartbreaking."

The zoo began treating the leopards and two Sumatran tigers for the virus last month. The zoo said the tigers, Axl and Kumar, have made a recovery.

The zoo said it remains open to the public and continues to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to humans and animals.

Snow leopard tests positive for coronavirus at Louisville Zoo

At least one of three snow leopards living at the Louisville Zoo has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. (Source: Louisville Zoo)

Zoos across the country, including at the St. Louis Zoo and the Denver Zoo, have battled COVID-19 outbreaks among their animals.