North Carolina Zoo's male ocelot, Diego, passes away at nearly 22 years old

Diego the 22-year-old ocelot dies at the North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo announced the death of its male ocelot named Diego, saying he "passed peacefully, surrounded by those who cared for him most.”

North Carolina Zoo's male ocelot, Diego, passes away at nearly 22 years old

ASHEBORO, N.C. (WNCT) -- Officials at the North Carolina Zoo announced the death of the zoo's male ocelot, Diego. They said Diego was nearly 22 years old which far surpasses a wild ocelot's lifespan of 7-12 years in the wild. Diego had lived in Asheboro at the zoo since 2010. Along with his mate, Inca, they produced 10 kittens.