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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — ZooTampa is mourning the loss of one its extremely rare big cats who spent eight years charming guests and his caretakers.
Walter, one of three endangered Florda panthers cared for by the zoo, passed away Monday after a sudden decline in health, officials said.
Zoo staff said they noticed Walter’s health was declining late last week, and despite around-the-clock medical intervention, the beloved panther’s condition only worsened.
Walter was estimated to be around 12 years old when he arrived at the Zoo in 2017. He was found in Highlands County with severe injuries to his neck and paw from a snare trap.
Officials said they had to remove most of the panther’s left paw in order to save his life. Unable to return to the wild, Walter was given a permanent home at ZooTampa.
Staff at the Zoo said Walter’s “charming personality and charisma made him a favorite among guests,” as well as the workers and volunteers who cared for him.
He also served as an ambassador for his species, with the story of how he came to be at the Zoo helping educate visitors on how they can “peacefully coexist” with nature, officials said.
Florida panthers are listed as critically endangered due to dwindling populations and shrinking habitat. Officials estimate that there are currently less than 250 left in the wild.
“His passing will be deeply felt, but his legacy lives on in the many connections he made,” ZooTampa wrote in a social media post announcing Walter’s passing. “Our thoughts are with the entire Zoo team, especially with the animal care professionals who cared for him.”