Pittsburgh Zoo announces death of red panda
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium announced the death of its 9-year-old male red panda, Kovu, on Monday, July 31.
According to a news release from the zoo, on Friday, July 28, zoo staff noticed unusual behavior exhibited by Kovu and brought him to the zoo’s veterinary hospital. His health continued to decline throughout the weekend as he received supportive care in the hospital. He died on the evening of Sunday, July 30.
Red pandas who live in zoos have a median life expectancy of 10 years. They are native to the Himalayan Mountain range and are threatened in their native bamboo forests due to habitat loss.
“Kovu was ‘Mr. Cool’ from the beginning; he was one of the most confident and friendly animals at the zoo,” said lead keeper Ray Bamrick. “Kovu was here as a representative for his endangered wild cousins. He did such a wonderful job of raising excitement, awareness, and compassion.”
Kovu was brought to the zoo in 2015 from Columbus, Ohio, and was the zoo’s second red panda. His female habitat mate, Xia, is doing well and will continue to greet visitors and receive regular checks from the zoo.
