Wellington Zoo has today announced the death of Khusi, their eldest red panda.
Khusi went for a health check-up last Friday to investigate a "sharp decline in her health", the zoo said today on social media.
"Under general anaesthetic, the veterinary team found several health issues, and after assessing her behaviour changes and overall welfare, it became clear that the best path for Khusi was a peaceful departure."
The red panda, identifiable by her pale face, was "beloved by the entire zoo community", the zoo said.
"Her calm and gentle nature will be hugely missed, and the role she played in the breeding programme, as well as her advocacy for her wild counterparts, has been invaluable for her species.
"Haere atu rā Khusi."
Ngima, the zoo's youngest red panda, could still be visited at the zoo.
Red pandas typically lived for eight to 10 years in the wild and up to 23 years in captivity, according to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
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