LANSING, Mich. — Potter Park Zoo announced the death of a red panda cub that was born July 5 to mother Maliha and father Deagan-Reid.
The cause of death remains unknown pending completion of a necropsy, zoo officials said.
Red panda offspring face significant challenges in their early weeks of life, with approximately a 40% neonatal mortality rate. The cub had been steadily gaining weight, was alert and appeared to be thriving before experiencing a sudden decline in health.
Zoo officials said the post-mortem evaluation will determine the cause of death, and that information will contribute to research that could help other young red pandas and their ability to survive.
"This is a very difficult loss for our team and we hope the community will keep those who cared for this young animal in their thoughts," zoo officials said.
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