Highland Wildlife Park: Sad news as snow leopard Chan is put to sleep

There is heartbreaking news from the Highland Wildlife Park as snow leopard Chan is put to sleep.

Chan had feline herpesvirus (FHV) and was put to sleep to prevent more suffering.

FHV is easily transmitted and can cause upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats.

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said: “We are sad to say our male snow leopard Chan has been put to sleep under veterinary advice.

“Chan had feline herpesvirus (FHV) and was also a carrier of an inherited disorder, which causes eye problems and can be very painful.

“After exhausting all alternatives, we took the very difficult decision to put him to sleep to prevent future suffering. While Chan’s symptoms were not yet severe, they were worsening.

Chan had feline herpesvirus (FHV) and was put to sleep to prevent more suffering.

“The condition also posed a significant risk to Chan’s family and all of the other cats living at Highland Wildlife Park, including our Amur tiger, lynx and wildcats.

“Chan will be missed, and our thoughts are with everyone who worked with him.”

Chan arrived at the park in 2015 where he was paired with female Animesh and the couple

had their first cubs last year.

Mum and the two cubs are doing well.

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