Helen J. Mikle was born May 7, 1921, in East Chicago, Indiana, the daughter of Theodore and Florence (Moaira) Mikle. She married Robert Howe Walker on January 6, 1948, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Helen, matriarch of the Woodland Park Zoo's snow leopards, was euthanized. The 20-year-old feline was diagnosed with kidney disease two years ago.

SEATTLE — Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is mourning the passing of matriarch snow leopard Helen. Helen, 20, was humanely euthanized Tuesday due to declining health at her "advanced age," according ...