Heartbreaking News Of Animal Death at Popular Zoo In Minnesota

A heartbreaking message was just shared by a well-loved zoo in Minnesota.  An animal that just arrived in April at the Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth has sadly passed away.

Zoo in Minnesota Shares Heartbreaking Message Letting Fans Know That A Beloved Animal Has Died

News that no one wants to hear was sadly shared on Monday, August 5th by Lake Superior Zoo.  A red panda named, Pip, who just arrived at this zoo in April, has unfortunately passed away.

We are deeply saddened to share that on the morning of August 2nd, red panda, Pip was found in her den box having passed away overnight. Pip was a one-year-old, female red panda who was selected to be a part of the red panda population at the Lake Superior Zoo by the Species Survival Plan monitoring red pandas within Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities.

“Each and every staff member at the zoo is devastated by the loss of Pip. Though she was with us for only a short time, we all quickly fell in love with her charismatic personality. We appreciate the community’s understanding and support at this time.”

- Haley Hedstrom, Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Superior Zoo

What Was The Cause of Death For the Red Panda at the Lake Superior Zoo?

The number one question that many are asking is, "why did this one-year-old red panda pass away".  The post on social media shared some insight on the death of their newly acquired red panda.

Zoo staff were able to confirm, through security camera footage, that Pip went into her den box at about 10:00 pm the night of August 1st and did not come out again. Previous to this, there was no observed unusual behavior or interference from animals or people that would give insight into this loss.

 

As is typical when an animal passes unexpectedly like this, Pip has been taken to the University of Minnesota for pathology. There, in-depth testing and examination will be done to give some understanding as to why this may have happened. The Lake Superior Zoo will share findings from the examinations and expects to have that information within the next several weeks.

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Does the Lake Superior Zoo Still Have Another Red Panda?

It was about a year ago when the public got its first look at another red panda at the Lake Superior Zoo.  According to Northern News Now, Zoozee was the first red panda who got to enjoy the brand new exhibit at the zoo.  According to the statement from the zoo, Zoozee appears to be healthy and they are committed to the Red Panda Species Survival Plan and welcome recommendations for new companions for Zoozee.