• Moms Visit Free
  on Mother’s Day

• Bactrian Camel
  Born at the Zoo

• Purchase a Virtual
  Mother’s Day Greeting
  From Our Animals With Love

 

The Milwaukee County Zoo Announces
Necropsy Findings for Snow Leopard, Sossy

Posted July 2015

Final necropsy (animal autopsy) results for the Milwaukee County Zoo’s male snow leopard, Sossy, have been concluded. The 1-year-old feline died unexpectedly June 5.

Final pathology findings reveal Sossy had moderate to severe hydrocephalus, or excessive accumulation of fluid on the brain. The fluid is cerebrospinal fluid – a clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is likely he was born with this neurological condition. It’s suspected Sossy may have had a seizure caused by the hydrocephalus which would have compromised his ability to navigate his exhibit. Veterinary personnel believe drowning was a secondary cause of death.

Sossy showed no signs of illness prior to his death.

Sossy was born to mother, Tomiris, and father, Genghis, June 1, 2014.