Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence announces that the zoo's cougar has passed away.

Zoo officials say the 16-year-old cougar named Tink was humanely euthanized earlier this month after suffering from kidney failure. Tink arrived at the Independence Zoo in 2011 on loan from the Tulsa Zoo. The animal first showed a decline in kidney function in 2023 after routine bloodwork indicated an issue. Tink was put on medication to combat the effects but her health continued to decline. Tink was pulled off exhibit at the zoo last winter after suffering a seizure. She was given medical attention, but continued to suffer until zoo staff made the difficult decision to euthanize the animal.

Cougars are solitary animals that are native to the Americas, ranging from thr Canadian Yukon to the Southern Andes. Life expectancy in the wild is 8 to 13 years, though in captivity they can live for more than 20.