Media release
9 March 2015

Wellington Zoo saddened by passing of Amy the Red Panda

Wellington Zoo staff and volunteers were saddened today after the decision was made to euthanise the Zoo’s female Red Panda, Amy.

Amy had been diagnosed with arthritis and kidney problems in November last year and was being treated by the veterinary team at The Nest Te Kōhanga. During a health check today when it was found that her condition had worsened, and treatment was no longer effective, the decision was made to euthanise her.

“These decisions are always hard, and it comes down to the animal’s welfare and ensuring that we do what is in their best interests. Amy was old for a Red Panda, and her health was deteriorating quickly. After careful consideration of whether we could provide treatment to manage her pain and health issues, it was agreed that euthanising her was the most humane and respectful thing to do,” said Karen Fifield, Chief Executive.

Amy was 15 years old. Red Pandas in the wild have an average life span of 8 years.

Amy was part of the International Breeding Programme for Red Pandas, and produced two offspring while at Wellington Zoo; Sir Ed, born in 2007, who lives at Bristol Zoo, and Manasa, born in 2009, who still lives at Wellington Zoo. Red Pandas are listed as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN.

Amy was popular with visitors, many of whom have met her up close during Close Encounters.

About Red Pandas
Red Pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and southern China. They spend most of their time up in the trees, and have a thumb and furry feet to help them grip. The major threat facing Red Panda’s in the wild is habitat loss through deforestation.

About Wellington Zoo
Wellington Zoo is New Zealand's first Zoo, established in 1906, and is Wellington’s oldest conservation organisation. Home to over 500 native and exotic animals, Wellington Zoo became a charitable trust in 2003.

Wellington Zoo became the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo in May 2013.

Wellington Zoo is an accredited member of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

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