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Birmingham Zoo Mourns Loss of Parker the Red Panda

The Birmingham Zoo is mourning the passing of Parker, the Zoo’s 4-year-old male red panda. Parker was found deceased Sunday morning March 8, 2020, with no obvious physical injuries or any indication of illness. 

Birmingham Zoo veterinary staff performed a necropsy (post-mortem exam) on Parker, which did not reveal an obvious cause of death, and are awaiting further testing. “Parker’s test results are pending,” says Birmingham Zoo Director of Animal Health, Dr. Stephanie McCain, DVM, Dipl ACZM. “We hope to know more information in the coming weeks. Parker’s passing is very heartbreaking. He was a great red panda and a favorite of many—he will be greatly missed by all of us.”

“The passing of Parker red panda is a devastating loss for not only our staff and volunteers but also for our guests who loved him,” says Birmingham Zoo President & CEO, Chris Pfefferkorn. “Parker was an amazing red panda and a beloved member of our Zoo family. He always received the best care and attention from our Animal Care staff, and he was quite adept at participating in husbandry training and learning new behaviors that greatly assisted with his care. Parker holds a special place in our hearts, and he will be deeply missed.”

The Birmingham Zoo is also home to a 9-year-old female red panda named Sorrel, who Zoo Animal Care Professionals and the veterinary team report is doing well with no indications of illness. We are thankful to our extended Zoo family and the community for your continued support during this time.

Photos of Parker red panda by Scott Kayser, courtesy of the Birmingham Zoo.


Click here for Parker red panda  press release.