The Toronto Zoo is mourning the loss of a red panda cub that was born in June. The zoo announced the sad news on Tuesday, stating that the cub had passed away.
“We are truly saddened by this loss,” said Maria Franke, Curator of Mammals at the Toronto Zoo. “The cub was born on June 18th and was being closely monitored by our dedicated team of zookeepers and veterinarians.”
According to the zoo, the cub’s mother, named Sakura, had given birth to two cubs. However, only one survived. The surviving cub was being cared for by Sakura and was showing positive signs of growth and development.
Unfortunately, on July 14th, the cub’s health took a turn for the worse. The zoo’s veterinary team immediately provided medical care, but despite their efforts, the cub passed away.
The cause of death is still unknown, and a necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause. The zoo’s veterinary team will also be conducting a thorough review of the cub’s medical history and care.
Red pandas are an endangered species, and the birth of this cub was a significant achievement for the Toronto Zoo’s conservation efforts. The zoo is dedicated to the protection and preservation of red pandas and will continue to work towards their conservation.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of this cub,” said Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo. “Our team is devastated, and we will continue to provide support to Sakura during this difficult time.”
The Toronto Zoo is asking for privacy for Sakura and the zoo’s staff as they grieve the loss of the cub. The zoo will also be providing updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
The red panda cub’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of conservation efforts. The Toronto Zoo is committed to its mission of connecting people, animals, and conservation science to fight against extinction.
