Marwell Zoo has put down its only red panda following a period of illness.
Marwell Zoo, in Colden Common, said goodbye to the female red panda Mei Mei on Monday, February 27.
Mei Mei, who was nine years old, started to show signs of illness last week so vets made the difficult decision to euthanase her after further signs of discomfort.
The news follows the unrelated death of her male companion, Peter, in October, meaning there are no red pandas left at Marwell.
A spokesperson said: “They will both be very sadly missed by everyone at Marwell.
“We fully intend to bring this species back into the park as soon as possible after the current movement restrictions, placed upon us as a result of the recent Avian Influenza outbreak, are lifted.
“We are expecting a decision on this in coming weeks.”
Born at Welsh Mountain Zoo in 2013, Mei Mei arrived at Marwell in 2014 and was described as a “firm favourite amongst guests young and old thanks to her endearing looks and personality”.
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