Young mountain lion may have had an allergic reaction to sutures. 

On January 21, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo announced that one of its most popular animals, Sequoia, passed away a few days prior. Sequoia, as well as her sisters Adira and Sitka, came to CMZoo after being abandoned in Washington state. They were just 6 weeks old when they were orphaned by their mother and transported to Colorado.

"Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is mourning the unexpected loss of female mountain lion, Sequoia, who passed away Sunday night after post-surgical complications from being spayed," the zoo stated on its Facebook page.

Sequoia's post-surgery reaction was completely unexpected. Both she and sister Adira were spayed on January 9, which is a routine surgery for the zoo, and while all went well initially, Sequoia began to show some swelling around her sutures. Complications are rare but can happen in any animal surgery.

“We first noticed swelling around Sequoia’s incision mid-last week, which isn’t unusual,” said Dr. Jon Romano, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo head veterinarian. “We treated her with anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics and continued daily checks while limiting her physical activity. I personally assessed Sequoia on Saturday night and was satisfied with her progress. Sunday morning, we discovered her surgical site had opened up overnight.”

Sequoia and sibling. Courtesy of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Facebook)

She was rushed to the clinic for emergency surgery, which she survived, but passed away a few hours later. A possible cause has been identified as an allergic reaction to her sutures, though it is not definitive. Because of a possible genetic connection, Adira has been subsequently examined. All is well with her surgery, though a wire or rope was seen in her stomach via x-ray, and the zoo is still investigating to ensure she is okay.

Zoo staff and fans of Sequoia are heartbroken at her passing.

“Sequoia’s passing has shocked us,” said Bob Chastain, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo president and CEO. “Even after 25 years in the profession, this doesn’t get easier. It is a reminder that no medical procedure is simple or without risk. As humans in this day of advanced medicine where miracles are performed every day, this is a sobering reminder.”

You can read more about this incredibly sad incident on the CMZoo's website.

Did you enjoy visiting Sequoia and her siblings? Please feel free to share your favorite memories in the comments below.