Sacramento Zoo Snow Leopard Euthanized

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Sacramento Zoo has euthanized a snow leopard after the animal suffered a back injury that left it unable to move around comfortably.

Zoo officials say Shanti, a 20-year-old snow leopard, was euthanized on Friday, a little less than a week after they noticed her injury.

She had suffered damaged vertebrae, and her condition did not improve with antibiotics and pain medication. She also had a bite wound, suggesting she had fought with her male companion. Zoo officials say it's not clear whether the two injuries were related.

The decision to euthanize the cat was made after it suffered additional neurological complications and infection.

Snow leopards are listed as endangered.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.