Adelaide Zoo’s meerkat Snow White euthanised due to old age

The legacy of one of Adelaide Zoo’s most ‘iconic’ animals is being celebrated after their sudden death today.

Adelaide Zoo’s “iconic” meerkat, Snow White, has died at the age of 14.

The beloved animal, affectionately known as Snowy, was humanely put to sleep on Thursday after her quality of life deteriorated due to age-related health issues.

In a statement released by the zoo, meerkat keepers and zoo veterinarians made the difficult decision as a “final act of kindness, to prevent her suffering”.

“While we are deeply saddened by Snowy’s passing, we want to celebrate her legacy,” the zoo said in the statement.

“Beloved by Adelaide Zoo staff, volunteers, members and zoo-goers, and most of all by her keepers, Snowy has been an icon of our zoo and captured hearts and imaginations throughout her life.

“She reminded us all of the beauty in being different, and celebrating that which makes us unique.”

Snow White the meerkat with Paper Mache Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs characters at the Adelaide Zoo.

Snow White the meerkat with Paper Mache Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs characters at the Adelaide Zoo.

Zoo director Dr Phil Ainsley said it was important to let Snow White go “peacefully with dignity and quality of life”.

“We’ve been monitoring Snowy’s health regularly, as we do with all our older animals,” he said.

“It’s always hard to say goodbye, but at the end of the day we will always make decisions based on what’s best for the animal’s welfare.”

The zoo’s most famous meerkat, Snow White looked just like her male companions in her youth, but lost her pigmentation later in life.

Snow White celebrated her 14th birthday last month, well above the average meerkat life expectancy of about 10 years.

“We ask that you show only kindness and respect for the loss of Snow White,” the zoo said in the statement.

“If you wish to leave a message of support for her keepers or a kind farewell for Snowy, we encourage you to do so.”

Snow White’s passing comes three weeks after the zoo announced its pair of African lions had both been euthanised after 16 years together as a bonded pair.

The 19-year-old male lion Mujambi had suffered a “medical episode”.

“Despite the best care by our veterinary team, the difficult decision was made for him to be humanely euthanised,” the zoo said in a statement.

His 23-year-old partner Amani was then put to sleep shortly afterwards because “the negative welfare and aspects of her life without Mujambi were determined to outweigh any positives of remaining alone”.