Raven, the world’s oldest leopard, has died at a North Texas animal sanctuary
Raven, the world’s oldest leopard, died Thursday at the Center for Animal Research and Education in Bridgeport.
“Raven was loved by so many from all over the world and exhibited all the strength, beauty and majesty that every member of her species does,” the center’s staff posted on Facebook. “In addition, she was just the sweetest old lady that we adored with all of our hearts. There truly will never be another like her.”
Raven, a female black leopard, had lived at the animal sanctuary since it began in 2003, according to CARE Executive Director and founder Heidi Krahn.
According to Guinness World Records, Raven holds the title “the oldest living leopard in captivity.” Krahn said now the center staff are going to try to get her the title of the oldest leopard that ever lived.
“The super amazing thing is leopards in the wild, their average life expectancy is about 10 years,” Krahn said. “And in captivity it’s about 15 years. So to have a 25-year-old leopard is just phenomenal.”
Krahn attributes Raven’s long life to the holistic care the animals receive at the center, including an all-natural diet and supplements. The most important factor, however, Krahn said is love.
“The love is a huge deal, too,” she said. “We have a lot of very dedicated volunteers, interns and then of course our staff that just absolutely adores every one of the animals and spends a lot of time with them, making sure they know they’re loved.”
Raven celebrated her 25th birthday July 15.
Krahn said Raven was the last leopard at the nonprofit animal sanctuary, which is also home to tigers, cougars and other exotic animals.
Krahn said one of Raven’s favorite activities was playing with stuffed toys. She also loved to eat and she loved her two indoor and two outdoor beds, which were decorated with canopies, fairy lights and other gifts from her fans.
“She was just spoiled and pampered by people all over the world who sent her gifts,” Krahn said. “... She was just world loved.”
