8-year-old Chinese red panda dies at Hogle Zoo

SALT LAKE CITY — Caretakers at Utah’s Hogle Zoo are mourning the death of Kiaria, an 8-year-old Chinese red panda.

Kiaria died on Aug. 14 after her health significantly declined from gastrointestinal challenges, which is a common issue for red pandas in managed care, the zoo said in a statement Tuesday.

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“Gastrointestinal disease is a common cause of both morbidity and mortality for red pandas in managed care. It is the third leading cause of red panda death in North American zoos, according to research. Gastrointestinal disease in red pandas continues to be an area of research as the disease is multifactorial and clinical resolution is often difficult to achieve,” said veterinarian James Steeil, who is a co-vet adviser for the red panda species survival plan.

Over the last few months, her care team adjusted her diet, provided medication, administered IV fluids and conducted surgery to look for an obstruction in her intestines, the zoo said.

“In recent weeks, Kiaria had been eating well, sleeping and showing her playful personality,” zookeepers said.

Kiaria was receiving advanced veterinary care at the zoo before being taken to MedVet Salt Lake City, where she was evaluated by board-certified critical care and internal medicine specialists.

“After a thorough assessment and with consideration for her critical state and well-being, Hogle Zoo made the compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her,” the zoo said.

Kiaria arrived at Hogle Zoo in November 2024 on a breeding recommendation, and zoo staff said she “quickly became a favorite among guests and staff” with a “personality that balanced calm confidence with playful sass.”

She joined William, another Chinese red panda, after the Himalayan red pandas were transferred to other zoos. Chinese red pandas are adapted to cooler climates in the eastern Himalayas and have larger bodies with longer fur to retain warmth.