Red Panda, Amaya, Passes Away At Elmwood Park Zoo

NORRISTOWN, PA — Amaya, a distinctive red panda housed at Elmwood Park Zoo, passed away on Friday, zoo officials announced.

Amaya, who was just over 10 years old, had suffered an injury to her tail which rapidly grew into a life-threatening infection, the zoo said.

"Our red pandas have always been a crowd favorite, and Amaya's passing is a difficult loss," the zoo said in a statement. "She will be very missed by our staff and by guests."

"Aggressive therapy" was pursued for Amaya but it ultimately failed, and she was euthanized Friday due to the severe decline of her condition.

Amaya has lived at Elmwood since last March. She bunked alongside fellow red panda, Slash.

Slash was not the cause of the injury, accordin to officicials. The veterinary staff at the zoo executed a post-mortem examination on Amaya Friday to further investigate the incident.

Image courtesy Elmwood Park Zoo