FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  

For more information, contact:

Susan Altrui

501-661-7208 direct

501-351-0273 cell

saltrui@littlerock.gov

Katie Grant

501-661-7212 direct

501-259-8400 cell

kgrant@littlerock.gov

Old Jaguar, Sydney, Dies at Age 23 at Zoo

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (August 13, 2012) – The Little Rock Zoo celebrated the long life of Sydney the jaguar, a black jaguar born at the Zoo 23 years ago, who died Friday afternoon.

At the advanced age of 23, Sydney had outlived many of his counterparts in zoos and more than doubled the life expectancy of jaguars in the wild.  Sydney was in renal failure and had advanced arthritis and could hardly walk.  His health declined rapidly in the last few weeks causing Zoo staff to make the decision to euthanize the animal.

Sydney was a beloved member of the Zoo family who will be missed by many Zoo staff.

Sydney is survived by jaguars Agave and Cactus Jack who are both doing well.

The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information, visit www.aza.org.

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