Rochester, N.Y. - The executive director of the Seneca Park Zoo announced the death of Anna the cougar on Saturday.
Preliminary tests show the 18-year-old animal died of age-related heart failure.
Cougars typically only live to be between eight and 12 years.
"Anna provides a prime example of how animals in zoos enjoy twice the lifespan of their wild counterparts due to high quality preventive medical care" said Dr. Jeff Wyatt, Seneca Park Zoo's Director of Animal Health & Conservation.
Anna came to the Zoo with her brother Monty in 2005. Monty died of age-related heart failure in 2009.
"While we are all saddened by Anna's death, it is a comfort to know that, during her long life, she was so well cared for by very talented people," stated Larry Sorel, Monroe County's Zoo Director. "In addition, her role as an education ambassador for her species was appreciated by the millions of people who visited her, over the years."
Zoo officials will review the Zoo's Animal Collection Strategy to determine if the Seneca Park Zoo will search for another cougar or introduce a new animal into the zoo.
