Berry, the “cherished red panda” of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, has died.
Berry died this week after a veterinary procedure, according to zoo officials, who shared the news “with immense sadness.”
“Despite the dedicated efforts of our veterinary and animal care teams, Berry was slow to recover from anesthesia and sadly, did not survive,” zoo officials said in a statement.
Berry was 14 years old and had “lived a long and remarkable life, far exceeding the typical lifespan of 8-10 years in the wild and slightly longer in managed care,” according to zoo officials.
The red panda was “a beloved member of our zoo family and a fitting ambassador for her species, captivating the hearts of visitors, staff and volunteers with her playful demeanor and striking natural beauty. Her presence inspired countless moments of joy and fostered a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation among all who had the privilege of knowing her,” zoo officials said in a statement. “Red pandas are a critically endangered in the wild, with as few as 2,500 individuals remaining.”
Zoo officials noted that Berry had served as “the honorary mayor of the zoo, a position she held with charm and grace. Her role as mayor will be paused as we take time to mourn her loss. Details about the continuation of this zoo tradition will be shared at a later time.”
“Berry was such a special part of our zoo community, her passing is a really tough loss for us,” said CEO Jim Wharton in the statement. “She was a true ambassador for her species, helping us educate and inspire guests of all ages about the importance of protecting red pandas and their habitats. Her memory will certainly live on in the hearts of all who loved her.”
Zoo officials said that a necropsy will be performed to “better understand the details and circumstances surrounding her passing.”
Zoo officials said they thank our “veterinary and animal care teams for their exceptional care throughout her life. This loss will be deeply felt by everyone at the zoo and the many who were touched by Berry’s presence.”
Anyone who want to honor Berry’s legacy, can do so to support red panda conservation efforts by contributing at: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/donate.html.
