(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Zoo announced Tuesday that its clouded leopard, Rajasi, died on Friday at age 15. According to the Smithsonian, clouded leopards live between 12 to 15 years.
Earlier this year, staff noticed the animal was experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Rajasi, who was sometimes referred to by zoo staff as Raji, was taken for treatment in July and that his condition initially improved before suddenly worsening last week, the zoo said.
Rajasi arrived at the zoo in April 2025 along with a female clouded leopard named Serai. The pair had six cubs together before arriving in Sacramento, the zoo said. Serai, who was 14, died a few months after arriving.
“Despite not technically being a big cat, Raji had a huge presence and will be deeply missed by the Carnivore Team,” said Anela Medeiros, the lead keeper of the carnivore team. “We’ll miss his over-eagerness to greet keepers that often resulted in comical stumbling, the way his eyes would get really big when he would spot his goat milk-filled squeeze bottle before a training session, and the hard-earned chuff and head rub against the mesh that he bestowed upon keepers only when he felt it was necessary.”
Clouded leopards are classified as “endangered” under federal law.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.