The Erie Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its beloved senior residents, Caax, the jaguar. 

According to the Erie Zoo, Caax was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, August 6 after a sudden decline in health. Caax was surrounded by many of his devoted caregivers. 

The zoo says Caax began presenting signs of weakness in his back legs on June 23. The zoo's veterinary staff promptly began treating him for possible neurologic and musculoskeletal disease. 

On July 30, Caax was sedated for further diagnostics, which confirmed age-related medical conditions, including arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc disease. Nodules were also discovered in his lungs. 

"We are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for all our animals throughout every stage of their life. Our top priority is their well-being," said Erie Zoo Head Veterinarian Dr. Jenna Epstein, D.V.M. "Despite our best efforts, Caax's health continued to decline, and due to a lack of response to treatment, we had to make the difficult decision to euthanize him. We are conducting further tests and a necropsy to determine the exact cause of his symptoms."

Caax outlived the average life expectancy for jaguars in the wild, which is 12-16 years old and passed away at the age of 20. 

Caax was born at the Audubon Zoo in Louisiana on January 21, 2004, and came to the Erie Zoo on April 25, 2005. During his time here, he fathered two cubs with Ceiba in 2009. Both offspring have since moved on to other zoos.

The zoo said both staff and visitors loved Caax deeply. He was known for his charming and captivating personality, and loved interacting with visitors.