BOISE, Idaho — Zoo Boise's 14-year-old female snow leopard, Kabita, has been diagnosed with the fatal oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma.
The zoo in a news release Wednesday said zookeepers noticed something was off with Kabita and performed a thorough exam when they found the lesion. Test results indicated the cancer had already spread to her bones and cannot be cured, according to the zoo.
Keepers immediately began to conjure ways to make Kabita comfortable and help her live her best life with the time that she has left.
Zoo Boise said that wild snow leopards are capable of living anywhere from 10 to 13 year on average.
Kabita was born at the Sunset Zoo in Kansas. She became part of the Zoo Boise family in 2011.
"This update is a difficult one for our entire Zoo Boise team," Zoo Boise Director Gene Peacock said. "However, we remain hopeful for Kabita's future. She is doing well and I'm proud of how our staff is coming together to create a path forward for her."
Kabita will remain on exhibit for the foreseeable future, and Zoo Boise team members encourage the community to stop by to visit Kabita and give her well wishes.
Kabita's team of professionals include the zoo's veterinarian staff, animal care managers, the administrative team and an outside oncologist.
Zoo Boise stated that the good news is there are treatments that may extend her life as long as Kabita is comfortable, providing a better quality of life for her.
The beginning stages of treatment includes electrochemotherapy, with the goal of treating and reducing the size of the tumor in her mouth.
"Animal care is and always will be our top priority," Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway said. "We will continue to prioritize the health of every animal, along with the wellbeing of the team members who care for them, especially when an animal receives a difficult diagnosis."
The Zoo Boise team expressed their gratitude for the community, guests and their committed animal care partners.
The zoo stated it will be providing regular updates about Kabita on its social media platforms and on the Zoo Boise website.
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