Beloved Red Panda At Cape May County Zoo Dies

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — A beloved red panda at the Cape May County Zoo has died, officials announced.

David Bowie died from mesenteric torsion, the zoo said Thursday. This is when the intestines twist and most cases are nearly 100 percent fatal, with animals passing away very quickly, according to the zoo.

His keepers said that he loved Craisins and was a whiz at puzzle feeders, though he liked to cheat by flipping them.

David Bowie also "enjoyed climbing upside down on the exhibit fencing, and was so incredibly sweet and patient during training sessions."

"He also loved attention and spending time with his keepers," the zoo said. "He will be deeply missed by our entire zoo family."

The announcement came as the zoo has been closed all week due to snow and ice.