Beloved Red Panda At The San Francisco Zoo Dies

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Tenzing, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens' beloved 12-year-old male red panda, has died, zoo officials announced Thursday.

The likely cause of Tenzing’s death was sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection known to affect red pandas, the zoo confirmed.

“Tenzing was more than an ambassador for his species, he was family. Our entire team deeply feels his passing, but his legacy will live on in the vital conservation work he helped inspire,” said SF Zoo’s Executive Vice President of Animal Care, Eric Krussman. Krussman helped design the red pandas’ exhibit, which was famously featured on Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters” television show.

Tenzing had “intermittent neurological symptoms, including balance issues” in recent months that “became more frequent and prolonged,” to the point that his condition "deteriorated rapidly,” zoo officials said. The zoo’s veterinary team paired with the San Francisco Animal Medical Center for a thorough evaluation of Tenzing, ultimately leading to the sarcocytosis diagnosis.

Tenzing first arrived at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens in 2014, and staff and visitors quickly fell for his presence and personality, according to zoo officials.

“Tenzing brought joy and inspiration to millions and was a powerful symbol of what’s at stake when species face extinction,” said Tanya M. Peterson, CEO & Executive Director. “His presence helped renew our efforts to partner with local conservation groups, especially in the Asian region. His legacy will live on through the Zoo’s Asian conservation efforts and the deep connections he helped forge between people and wildlife.”

Red pandas’ lifespan is typically 8 to 10 years in the wild and 15 years or more with human care, according to the news release.