ATLANTA — The Atlanta Zoo is mourning the death of a red panda, affectionately known as Ruby, after she unexpectedly died.
The zoo announced the news Friday, saying a preliminary necropsy showed she had a condition -- that is often fatal -- called mesenteric torsion, or twisted intestines. Zoo officials said Ruby's care team found her dead.
"This is a devastating loss for Zoo Atlanta. Our thoughts are with Ruby’s care team who, like all of the Animal Care Teams at Zoo Atlanta, are deeply committed to the animals and devote each day to their superior care and well-being,” said Sam Rivera, DVM, Vice President of Animal Health.
Zoo Atlanta said further investigation into the red panda's definitive cause of death is soon to come.
“While it is too early for us to presume on any specific cause, we are hopeful that pathology report results will tell us more about Ruby’s condition.”
Ruby and her sister, Rose, arrived at Zoo Atlanta from Knoxville in February 2023.
