‘Sweet, gentle soul’: Mishry the red panda dies at Adelaide Zoo after unexpected health turn
A red panda who arrived at Adelaide Zoo in 2021 has died suddenly, with staff members remembering the ‘inquisitive, gentle soul’.
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A much-loved red panda has died at Adelaide Zoo after her health took an unexpected turn over the weekend.
Mishry, also known as ‘Mishy-Moo’, died unexpectedly on Sunday night, with Adelaide Zoo announcing her passing over Facebook on Tuesday.
The post said although Mishry had been battling some health issues, her condition deteriorated quickly, with Zoo staff now investigating the circumstances of the female panda’s death.
“Mishry’s health took an unexpected turn over the weekend and despite the best efforts of our expert veterinarians and dedicated keepers, Mishry passed away late on Sunday night,” the post read.
“There is no clear cause of death at this time and we await necropsy and histology results to determine more.
“While Mishry has had some health challenges in the past, this presented incredibly quickly and very differently to previous issues.”
In remembering Mishry, the post described her as an “inquisitive girl” who had “brought endless smiles” to zoo staff, volunteers, members and visitors since her arrival in 2021.
“Affectionately known by her keepers as Mishy-Moo, keepers describe Mishry as a sweet, gentle soul who loved training sessions with apples and grapes,” the post read.
“Mishry was the first red panda to venture into the overhead tunnels when they were opened in Bamboo Forest and she has curiously peered at many zoo-goers from them ever since.
“Beloved by Adelaide Zoo staff, volunteers, members and zoo-goers, and most of all by her keepers, Mishry has captured hearts and imaginations throughout her life and her loss will be felt deeply.”
It is not the first time the Adelaide Zoo has had issues with their red panda population.
In 2022, Ravi the red panda escaped from the zoo and was missing for two days before staff located him up a tree in the Botanic Park, having to shoot him with a tranquiliser dart to get him down.
Adelaide Zoo has asked the public to show “only kindness and respect” for the loss of Mishry, and for the keepers and staff who are grieving, and have encouraged anyone who wishes to leave a farewell message for Mishry, and a message of support for staff, to do so.
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Originally published as ‘Sweet, gentle soul’: Mishry the red panda dies at Adelaide Zoo after unexpected health turn
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