Popular Adelaide Zoo attraction ‘Snowy’ believed to be the only white meerkat in the world has died

An older meerkat who stole the hearts of zoo visitors in South Australia for years for her spectacular coat has died.

‘Snow White’, Adelaide Zoo’s beloved bleached meerkat, celebrated her 14th birthday in September, but on Thursday zoo keepers confirmed they had to euthanise the small mammal.

An Adelaide Zoo spokesperson said the decision came after a number of age-related complications faced by ‘Snowy’.

“Snowy was humanely euthanized due to a number of age-related health conditions that significantly reduced her quality of life,” a statement from the zoo said.

“A survey of elderly animals was conducted among meerkat keepers and zoo veterinarians and it was determined that it was time to offer Snowy this final act of kindness to prevent her suffering.”

The unique meerkat had far exceeded the typical ten-year life expectancy of a meerkat under human care.

The zoo believes Snowy is the only white meerkat ever recorded and has told how she got her famous white coat.

The reason for Snowy’s abnormal color remains a mystery, but the zoo said she wasn’t born that way

“Snow White looked just like her relatives during her childhood and later in life lost her pigmentation to become the Snow White we all know and love,” Adelaide Zoo said.

“Loved by Adelaide Zoo staff, volunteers, members and zoo visitors, and especially her keepers, Snowy is an icon of our zoo and has captured hearts and imaginations throughout her life.

“She reminded us all of the beauty of being different and celebrating what makes us unique.”

The initial change in her color initially confused zoo veterinarians and meant the little meerkat needed protection from the sun.

Otherwise, the meerkat was unharmed by the color change.

There are a number of reasons why an animal may lose its pigmentation, although it is unclear which condition Snowy had.

One person had previously inquired online whether Snowy had vitiligo, a disease that can cause color loss in humans and animals. But in Snowy’s case, the loss of color has remained a mystery.

‘Our veterinary team checked her thoroughly and found no clear diagnosis! She is otherwise completely healthy and active, and we will continue to monitor her condition,” a zoo spokesperson said at the time.

Visitors to the zoo left comments on social media remembering the first times they saw Snowy.

‘Snowy’ attracted visitors to Adelaide Zoo for years because of her unique white fur

“I visited Adelaide Zoo many times and always looked for Snowy as she was a favourite… I knew she was of advanced age so I shouldn’t be surprised but it still saddens me deeply,” said one woman.

Many thought of the caregivers who lost her.

‘She was beautiful. My condolences to her caregivers,” one woman said.

‘She was a unique little ‘person’ and always a joy to see. Will be sadly missed. I think about the goalkeepers,” another added.