Elmwood Park Zoo's Red Panda Shredder Dies Wednesday Morning​

Shredder, one of Elmwood Park Zoo's red pandas, died Wednesday morning, according to zoo officials.

Shredder began experiencing labored breathing on Jan. 3, according to a Facebook post from the zoo.

Zoo veterinarians and keepers determined Shredder had an irregular heartbeat and fluid in his lungs.

As officials attempted to save Shredder, his condition was to serious and he went on to the bamboo patch in the sky.

The zoo's veterinarian said the necropsy, an autopsy for animals, indicated Shredder had signs of heart disease.

"Shredder showed no signs of illness and was even seen eating bamboo throughout the day. Just as in people, animals' hearts can be abnormal without any signs," the zoo's vet said.

The zoo has received an outpouring of support on social media as it announced Shredder's passing Friday, with more than 800 reactions and more than 100 comments on the Facebook announcement.

While Shredder has left us, his brother Slash still lives at the zoo.

The zoo said Slash will get an echocardiogram to make sure his heart is healthy.

Shredder and Slash lost their brother, Clinger, in 2015 to an unrelated illness, the zoo said.

Image via Elmwood Park Zoo Facebook