Beloved Snow Leopard At Popcorn Park Dies

LACEY, NJ — One of the beloved residents of the Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, Ty the snow leopard, has died of old age, the zoo announced Thursday.

"Ty was a very special senior boy and though he is missed dearly, we take comfort in knowing he was provided the very best specialized care with us in his golden years," the refuge shared on Facebook, along with photos of the snow leopard.

Ty arrived at the refuge in 2020 at age 14, which is already elderly for snow leopards. Wild snow leopards live about 10 to 12 years and have lived up to 22 years in captivity, according to the Snow Leopard Trust, the largest and oldest organization working to protect these creatures.

An area of the refuge was adapted for Ty, who loved to jump and climb as snow leopards do, but it was not safe for him at his advanced age.

"Ty took pleasure in the simple things in life - like a pumpkin to snack on, a boomer ball to play with, or a sunny spot to nap in," the refuge said. "Through the years he spent with us we took pride in providing him with senior veterinary care, nutritious foods, and all the TLC he could want in his retirement!"