AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo is mourning the death of a red panda named Penny, announcing on Monday that it had passed away “after a brief illness.”
“Despite extensive treatments and supportive care, Penny’s health and quality of life continued to decline and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her,” according to a press release from the Akron Zoo.
Penny was born at the Kansas City Zoo on July 11, 2019, and later moved to Akron alongside her two sisters, Lulu and Coco, in October of 2020.
All three were stars in the Akron Zoo’s 20-episode web series -- Panda Palace -- in 2021, which zoo officials say was viewed by more than 4 million people across five continents on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the zoo’s site.
“The Akron Zoo family is feeling Penny’s loss,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. “Through Panda Palace, Penny was able to connect with many people and educate on this endangered species and panda conservation. Guests visited the zoo specifically to see Penny and her sisters, making her an incredible celebrity ambassador for the zoo and her species. She will be deeply missed.”
Penny’s sister, Lulu, remains in the red panda habitat daily. Coco moved to the Philadelphia Zoo in the summer of 2022.
Red pandas are listed as endangered by IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and illegal hunting, according to the Akron Zoo.
“The Akron Zoo partners with the Red Panda Network, a conservation organization that works with local people and communities to educate and build sustainable agricultural and grazing practices within a key rainforest corridor in Nepal, critical to the conservation of red pandas,” officials said.