The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s popular red panda Kovu has died, the park announced Monday via Facebook.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our male red panda, Kovu,” the post begins.
The post said the 9-year-old Kovu began “displaying unusual behavior, including trouble walking” on Friday. He was quickly taken to the zoo’s veterinary hospital for treatment.
“Though his health declined quickly, he continued to receive supportive care in the hospital until his passing,” the post reads.
According to the zoo, Kovu came to Pittsburgh in 2015 from Columbus. He was Pittsburgh Zoo’s second red panda.
“Kovu was ‘Mr. Cool’ from the beginning; he was one of the most confident and friendly animals at the Zoo,” lead keeper Ray Bamrick said via the post.
The park said red pandas, native to the Himalayan Mountains, have a median life expectancy of 10 years while in zoos.
“Kovu was here as a representative for his endangered wild cousins,” Bamrick said. “He did such a wonderful job of raising excitement, awareness, and compassion.”
The park said Kovu’s female habitat mate, Xia, will continue to greet guests.
