SEATTLE - A 17-year-old female red panda at Woodland Park Zoo died last week during an examination to assess her health, which had deteriorated during the week. Necropsy findings show the endangered animal died of age-related kidney and liver failure.

The deceased red panda, named Wei-Wei (way-way), was wild-caught in Wuo Bian, China. “She was a very old animal who lived beyond the average life span of this species,” noted zoo Animal Health Director Dr. Darin Collins. The life span of red pandas averages up to 15 years in zoos and eight years in the wild. An 11-year-old male and 7-year-old female red panda remain at the zoo’s Temperate Forest.

The red panda, panda being the Nepalese name for “small, cat-like animal,” belongs to the family Ursidae, which includes bears and the more popular giant panda. Adult red pandas may weigh between 12 and 20 pounds. Two subspecies of red panda exist; the subspecies at Woodland Park Zoo is native to northern Myanmar and southcentral China and inhabits remote mountainous areas of dense forest and bamboo thickets. The future existence of red pandas in the wild is in jeopardy. Although they are protected in some preserves, their numbers are still declining due to deforestation, increased agriculture and cattle grazing, poaching for fur and pet trades, and continuing pressure from growing local populations.

Woodland Park Zoo participates in 35 Species Survival Plans (SSP), including the red panda. SSPs, administered by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), are cooperative breeding programs to help ensure genetic diversity and demographic stability in North American zoos. SSPs also involve a variety of other collaborative conservation activities such as research, public education, reintroduction and field projects. AZA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation, with more than 205 zoos and aquariums as members.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, top award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.