Sequoia Park Zoo release:

Sequoia Park Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sumo, our beloved red panda.

Although not entirely unexpected due to his advanced age, it is no less heartbreaking for the staff, volunteers, and guests who loved and cared for him.

At 15 years old, Sumo far exceeded the typical wild lifespan of 8-10 years, and he was considered geriatric for a red panda. In fact, out of over 800 red pandas documented in human care, Sumo was in the top 4% for age - a testament to the exceptional care he received throughout his life at the Zoo.

In recent years, Sumo had been treated for common age-related concerns, including joint pain, dental issues, and loss of muscle tone in his hind legs. Animal care staff worked with Sumo to meet the changing needs of an older animal, which included modifications to the habitat, physical therapy, and medication for pain management. Last week, Sumo suffered a rapid decline in health and, despite the best efforts of his care team, veterinary staff were unable to stabilize him. A standard necropsy procedure will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Sumo was born at the Denver Zoo in 2009 and arrived at Sequoia Park Zoo with his brother Shifu in 2010 to the delight of our community. As the first red pandas to call the Zoo home, Sumo and Shifu inspired an instant connection to animals and a love of red pandas in everyone who met them.

Red pandas are an endangered species supported by the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, and in 2013 it was determined that both brothers should start a family. This exciting news meant that Shifu was transferred to another zoo, while Sumo stayed in Eureka and Stella Luna moved to join him. Sumo and Stella Luna had two litters during their time together, increasing the red panda population by three beautiful daughters: Mohu, the eldest, followed by Masala and Cinni.

Sumo met many adoring red panda fans as an animal ambassador, and he was often eager to participate in special VIP encounters - especially when grapes were involved! Sumo was one of the most accomplished animal artists at the Zoo, and some guests may be lucky enough to have an original Red Panda Painting made by Sumo walking through paint and onto a canvas.

Sumo engaged with and educated thousands of guests during his time at Sequoia Park Zoo, and he helped share the story of red pandas and their need for conservation. We invite our guests to share a photo or memory as we celebrate the one-and-only Sumo - the original red panda resident at the Zoo.

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