COLUMBUS, Ohio — A beloved cheetah at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently passed away at the age of 10, the zoo announced Friday.

“His perfect teddy bear ears, loud purrs and happy meows, are all small things our Animal Care team will remember about him,” the zoo said.

Born on September 3, 2014, Kvamme was living with his sister Kesi in Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska. However, their mother fell ill and could no longer provide milk for them. The siblings then arrived at Columbus Zoo a month later where they would be hand-reared and raised, the zoo said in a social media post.

According to the zoo, the conservation medicine and animal care teams labeled Kvamme as one of their favorites, thanks to his “unique personality and complex medical history.” His signature medical shirt, which he wore to protect his skin from abrasions, encouraged visitors to learn more about cheetahs.

Kvamme was recently diagnosed with pneumonia. Despite aggressive medical care, the zoo said Kvamme’s spirit “remained bright.” He ultimately succumbed to his lung disease.

The cheetah captured the hearts of his keepers who cared for him since he was a cub, from the vet staff to the guests, the zoo said.

“Kvamme was truly a one-of-a-kind cheetah and his personality and legacy will be remembered for years and years to come,” his team wrote.