Popular red panda dies at CT’s Beardsley Zoo
BRIDGEPORT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on Friday announced the death of one of its red pandas, who was struggling with a health condition that came on last week, according to zoo officials.
The Bridgeport zoo said Friday that the “difficult decision” was made to euthanize Rochan, the 7-year-old male red panda.
Personnel started monitoring and treating Rochan on Feb. 17 for a health condition that was affecting his ability to walk, officials said. An MRI revealed lesions on his spine that were expected to further compromise his mobility, officials said.
Based on quality-of-life factors, the decision was made the euthanize him, officials said.
Rochan was supposed to be a temporary visitor at the Beardsley Zoo while his habitat at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston was renovated. But in October 2015, Rochan became a permanent resident of the zoo family.
The zoo said Rochan’s name in Hindi means “light,” “brilliant,” “celebrated” and red lotus.
Rochan had daily appearances on the zoo’s live webcam in the red panda
habitat, which gives users a view into the habitat — and Rochan and his companion Berry.
“Ro will be deeply missed by all of us here at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo,” zoo Director Gregg Dancho said. “He had a unique personality and related well both to his companion, Berry, and to his animal care staff. It has been our privilege to have known him for six
years.”
Berry, a female red panda who joined the zoo family in 2020, remains at the habitat. She was seen sleeping on the live webcam of the habitat Friday afternoon.
Rochan and Berry were part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. The zoo said it will work with the AZA to find a new companion for Berry.