Male Snow Leopard at Cape May County Zoo Dies

COURT HOUSE – Vijay, the beloved male snow leopard at the Cape May County Zoo, passed away March 5. Vijay was 16 years old and had been fighting a number of illnesses over the years, including glaucoma and kidney stones. Vijay died from complications associated with kidney disease.
Zoo Director and Veterinarian, Dr. Hubert Paluch, reported, “Vijay was the sire of all the seven cubs born at the Cape May County Zoo over a four year period. Snow leopards are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which oversees all breeding of endangered species in zoos. The species survival program operates at 300 zoos worldwide and develops comprehensive population management plans to ensure a healthy, genetically diverse, and varied animal population. Vijay was a vital participant in the SSP, and his genetics are well represented in the population.”
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, liaison to the Cape May County Zoo, reported, “Vijay came to the county from the Baltimore Zoo in 2005 and became a favorite among visitors. Himani, his mate, joined him a few years later and the two of them would go on to become one of the most successful pairs of Snow Leopards in the world. Vijay was a favorite among the Zoo staff because of his laid back and affable personality. I speak for my colleagues on the Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the staff at the Park and Zoo, in saying we are deeply saddened by the loss of Vijay and will miss him,” Hayes added.
Alexander J. Ernst DVM, Associate Veterinarian at the Cape May County Zoo, explained, “Vijay’s life was extended and made more comfortable by the impeccable care the Zoo staff gave him. They would spend extra time every day making sure Vijay got his favorite food and was getting his medications. I would estimate they gave him years of life because of their extra care and attention. Vijay was a pleasure to work with because of his calm and cooperative demeanor. He would sire seven cubs over a 4-year span and his genetics will live on in future generations of Snow Leopards across the country.”
Vijay was always happiest when he was with Himani. Vijay would be separated from Himani during the times that she was rearing cubs, but he was always anxious to see her again and was most happy when he was back with her. Vijay and Himani’s cubs are currently living in zoos across the country and will continue to play a vital role in the SSP.
The birth of Vijay and Himani’s cubs is listed below:
May 10, 2010 – Two male cubs
May 12, 2011 – One male cub
April 20, 2013 – One male and one female cub
April 10, 2014 – One male and one female cub