Somersaulting red panda dies at California zoo
The panda, named Tenzing, recently started to experience 'intermittent neurological symptoms,' prompting the zoo's medical staff to take him in for observations.
In a social media post announcing his death on Friday the zoo said he started to also exhibit balance issues and episodes became more frequent and lasted longer.
After several imaging sessions and testing, staff discovered Tenzing had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection that is common in red panders, zookeepers said.
'Despite receiving intensive medical care, Tenzing's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed peacefully under the care of his dedicated animal health team,' the post read.
Tenzing first arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival plan, specifically for red pandas - a rare and endangered species.
The 'fan favorite' animal was best known for his 'playful somersaults and engaging personality,' as he was often featured in viral videos, the zoo wrote.
'His keepers recall his remarkable participation in his own healthcare, including voluntary behaviors like stepping onto a scale, entering a crate, and even holding a brush to create his signature watercolor paintings,' it went on.
He was seen in pictures getting examined by a team of doctors in May as they reviewed his brain scans and placed him in the MRI machine.
The life span of red pandas is between eight to 10 years in the wild. They are known to live up to 15 years 'under human care.'
The zoo said: 'Tenzing lived a rich and full life and will be remembered for his spirited nature, his artistic flair, and his invaluable contribution to global conservation.
'Tenzing was more than an ambassador for this endangered species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire.'
Several of Tenzing's fans said their final goodbyes to him after the zoo announced his death.
'So sad. We loved seeing him on our many visits,' one said.
'Oh Tenzing. I'm so sorry you were sick. What an incredibly sad loss for your zoo family, the Red Panda family and all who loved you all around the world,' wrote another.
Someone else commented: 'I'm Speechless. My deepest Condolences to everyone.'
Red pandas are endangered species because they are often poached, or illegally hunted, and have experienced a habitat loss.
Less than 10,000 remain in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Nearly 50 per cent of the red panda's habitat is located in the Eastern Himalayas, but because of the loss of nesting trees and bamboo that they depend on, there is decline in the population.
The creatures are often caught in traps meant for other wild animals like pigs and deer.
Some are hunted for their distinctive, red pelts, or fur, in Myanmar and China, the website said.
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