Red panda at Lake Superior Zoo dies unexpectedly

Pip, one of the Lake Superior Zoo’s red pandas, passed away unexpectedly last week. Pip came to Duluth in April this year from the Buttonwood Park Zoo in Massachusetts. She was one-year-old. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, she was meant to be a companion for Zoozee, the red panda.

Zoo staff aren’t sure what happened yet. Through security footage, they determined she went into her den box around 10 p.m. Thursday night and did not to come out again.

The zoo says that no one saw any unusual behavior or interference from animals or people that would would explain how she passed. Staff are also monitoring Zoozee as she continues to be in good health. They’re confident that this was an individualized incident.

In a press release, Haley Hedstrom, Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Superior Zoo said, “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.”

Director of Animal Care, Lizzy Larson added, “Pip stole the hearts of all who cared for her. She had a big personality for her small size. Pip has left a lasting mark on all her keepers and she will be dearly missed.”

The Lake Superior Zoo also explained: 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.

They ask for the public’s support and sympathy during this difficult time.

The zoo says it will continue to support the Red Panda Species Survival Plan for any recommendations of new companions for Zoozee.