From The Trussville Tribune
BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Zoo announced on Monday morning that Parker, the zoo’s 4-year-old male red panda, was found deceased on Sunday.
The zoo released a statement through Facebook stating that Parker was found dead Sunday morning, March 8, 2020, and suffered from no obvious physical injuries or any indication of illness.
Birmingham Zoo veterinary staff performed a necropsy on Parker, which did not reveal an obvious cause of death. They are awaiting further testing.
“Parker’s test results are pending,” Birmingham Zoo Director of Animal Health Dr. Stephanie McCain said.“We hope to know more information in the coming weeks. Parker’s passing is very heartbreaking. He was a great red panda and a favorite of many — he will be greatly missed by all of us.”
The Birmingham Zoo is also home to a 9-year-old female red panda named Sorrel, who Zoo Animal Care Professionals and the veterinary team report is doing well with no indications of illness.
“The passing of Parker red panda is a devastating loss for not only our staff and volunteers but also for our guests who loved him,” Birmingham Zoo President & CEO Chris Pfefferkorn said. “Parker was an amazing red panda and a beloved member of our Zoo family. He always received the best care and attention from our Animal Care staff, and he was quite adept at participating in husbandry training and learning new behaviors that greatly assisted with his care. Parker holds a special place in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed.”
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