MELBOURNE, Fla. – For the second time in a week, the Brevard Zoo has announced the passing of one of its animals.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the zoo shared that Pepper the cheetah died. At 16 years old, Pepper lived well beyond the median lifespan of her species, which is typically around 12 years, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
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According to the zoo, Pepper started experiencing seizures in December that were managed with medication. Recently, Pepper’s condition worsened, and despite adjustments to her medications, her health continued to decline.
Pepper was also being monitored for chronic gastrointestinal and reproductive diseases. Given the combination of her health issues and poor prognosis, “the difficult and compassionate decision was made to euthanize her to prevent future suffering.”
A necropsy later confirmed significant reproductive disease, as well as issues with her bladder.
Pepper joined the Zoo in 2010 from the White Oak Conservation Center. Over the years, she lived in various areas of the zoo, receiving care from different keeper teams in the Africa, Rainforest Revealed, and Wild Florida sections. Most recently, she resided in the Wild Florida area.
Gabby Williams, a keeper in the Wild Florida section, shared that Pepper lived up to her name daily, often displaying her “spicy” personality.
“She would greet her care team with a little jump stomp and a hiss,” Gabby recalled. “We all loved Pepper so much. She will be sorely missed by all the teams who worked with her.”
Pepper’s passing comes following the death of Doc, the oldest male giraffe at the zoo.
