Living Desert Zoo Euthanizes Cheetah Kali

The Palm Desert zoo humanely euthanized Kali, a cheetah it had cared for nearly a decade, after serious irreversible health conditions were diagnosed.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Pet Health

Wide view of arid desert scrub with sparse creosote and palo verde under tan mountains and a clear sky, with an empty enclosure fence line. — The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert humanely euthanized Kali, a cheetah cared for nearly a decade, after diagnosing kidney failure and a large skull mass. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert humanely euthanized Kali, a cheetah who lived at the zoo for nearly a decade. Kali was diagnosed with several serious, irreversible health conditions, including kidney failure and a large skull mass.

Why it matters

The decision followed kidney disease treatment that began in fall 2025 and additional health concerns that prompted veterinarians to order further testing. For Palm Desert residents, the zoo is a major local animal care institution, and the case highlights the end-of-life decisions made for animals in its care.

Kali was born in 2014 and arrived at the zoo in 2016, living there for nearly a decade before her euthanasia. The timeline of her kidney treatment, beginning in fall 2025, is documented, but the full progression of her conditions is not detailed in the source.

The players

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

A zoo and botanical garden in Palm Desert, California, known for its conservation and animal care programs for desert and African wildlife.

Kali

A cheetah who lived at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens for nearly a decade after arriving in 2016 with her sisters.

The details

Veterinarians ordered further testing after additional health concerns emerged, and a CT scan revealed kidney failure and a large mass in Kali's skull. The zoo determined the conditions were irreversible and humanely euthanized her.

2014: Kali was born.
2016: Kali arrived at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens with sisters Bela and Sudi.
Fall 2025: Kali began receiving treatment for kidney disease.
Late October 2026: Kali was humanely euthanized.

Seasonal Patterns

Accredited zoos operate under end-of-life protocols for animals with irreversible conditions, and Kali's case follows that established practice. The decision reflects standard veterinary judgment applied within the zoo's care framework.

For Palm Desert residents who visit or support The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, the case reflects how the zoo manages end-of-life care for its animals. Readers interested in animal health can review how zoo veterinary decisions are made when treatment options are limited.

The takeaway

Irreversible illness in animals often requires difficult end-of-life decisions, and accredited zoos follow veterinary protocols when treatment can no longer improve an animal's quality of life. Pet owners facing similar situations can ask their veterinarians about diagnostic options and quality-of-life assessments early.