A clouded leopard, in captivity in Utah for nearly nine years, has died at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper.
Koshi died after days of supportive care, the aquarium announced in social posts Saturday morning. He was 10 years old, and recently had been diagnosed with sudden-onset diabetes, according to the post.
“We are heartbroken to share that Koshi … has passed away,” the aquarium wrote in its posts on Facebook and Instagram. “Koshi was a truly special part of our Aquarium family, and his presence will be deeply missed by both our staff and guests.”
Clouded leopards are native to remote, lowland tropic rainforests, dry woodlands and secondary forests in southeast Asia, China and the Himalayan foothills. They are named for their cloud-like fur pattern, according to a zookeeper quoted in a 2022 news release. Koshi and his companion leopard, Rhu, arrived at Loveland in 2016.
Fans of the aquarium posted comments on Saturday’s Facebook post to share their memories of Koshi.
“I’m heartbroken to hear this,” one commenter wrote. “I’ll forever miss him. … Clouded leopards have become my favorite feline because of him.”
“We always loved watching [Koshi],” said another, who shared a photo from February 2017 of the feline in mid-stretch. “We always loved watching him.”
Koshi is survived by companion clouded leopard, Rhu, who is also 10 years old. Paired with Koshi before their move to Utah, Rhu has been in “good health,” the aquarium wrote in a Facebook comment, and staff is “keeping a close eye to ensure she’s doing well.”
