Edinburgh Zoo has announced that Kevyn, their oldest red panda, passed away at the end of January.
A statement issued by the zoo revealed Kevyn had been “facing age-related health issues” and was being tended to by an expert team of zookeepers and vets.
Edinburgh Zoo stated: “After spending 10 years at Highland Wildlife Park and fathering seven kits, he moved to Edinburgh Zoo in 2022, where he has been living with our new female, Priya.”
“He was a favourite among our staff and visitors during his time at both our charity’s zoos and will be hugely missed.”
Kevyn was 14 years old and has been the third red panda at Edinburgh Zoo to pass away since October.
Roxie, a three-month-old red panda, passed away in November just days after her mother’s death.
Veterinary experts revealed that Roxie’s death was likely due to stress caused by fireworks across Edinburgh on bonfire night.
There are now just two red pandas at the zoo – Priya and Bruce.
Red pandas are an endangered species with a remaining population of under 10,000.
The Red Panda Network estimates that only 2,500 red pandas remain in the wild.
As part of a wildlife conservation charity, Edinburgh Zoo works to protect species at risk and encourages visitors to learn about the challenges facing wildlife.
Edinburgh Zoo is “the cornerstone” of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and works with the RZSS to use genetic data to generate conservation action for threatened species.
The RZSS has pledged to reverse the decline of at least 50 species globally by 2030.
Illustration by Alice Lila Batten