Ruby the Red Panda (2020-2024)
Obituary
Ruby, a four-year-old red panda, died in March 2024 at Zoo Atlanta from suspected mesenteric torsion.
Ruby, a four-year-old red panda, died in March 2024 at Zoo Atlanta from suspected mesenteric torsion (a condition where the intestines twist). She was one of three red pandas born at John Ball Zoo in Michigan and transferred to Zoo Atlanta about a year before she died. Red pandas live between eight and ten years in the wild and longer in captivity.
Ruby was bred as part of a program to boost populations of endangered and threatened species. Red pandas are classified as endangered under the IUCN Red List. They face numerous threats including climate change, habitat loss, and hunting. But red pandas bred in captivity in the US will never be released to the wild in their home continent of Asia. Red pandas bred here are merely living attractions for visitors.
World Animal Protection urges everyone who loves red pandas to avoid zoos and enjoy them in the wild or at an accredited sanctuary.
