Zoo Euthanizes Elderly Jaguar Due To Health Issues

HOUSTON (AP) — A 19-year-old female jaguar at the Houston Zoo has been euthanized after suffering kidney failure.

Zoo officials say Cocoy was euthanized Wednesday due to her age and lack of treatment options. Cocoy was born at the Guadalajara Zoo in Mexico and moved to the Houston Zoo in 2006.

Authorities said in a statement that Cocoy lived longer than her expected lifespan. Jaguars in the wild are expected to live 12 to 15 years.

Cocoy shared a habitat with 18-year-old Kan Balam, and the two had several cubs together over the years.