A much-loved snow leopard described as “truly special” has died at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.

The 13-year-old female, named Nima, passed away after developing an infection despite initially responding to treatment at the zoo located near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.

Zoo staff said: “Despite every effort from our veterinary and keeper teams, the very difficult decision was made to peacefully euthanise her.”

Nima had lived at the zoo since 2013 after arriving from Zoo Planckendael in Antwerp, Belgium. During her decade at Thrigby Hall she successfully raised five cubs with male snow leopard Mohan, making what the zoo called “a significant contribution to the global conservation of this rare and magnificent species.”

In a tribute, the zoo added: “She was a truly special animal —

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