Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo mourns the loss of beloved Berry, the Red Panda

Bridgeport, CT – (January 10th, 2025) - It is with immense sadness that Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces the passing of Berry, our cherished red panda. Berry passed away on Wednesday following a veterinary procedure. Despite the dedicated efforts of our veterinary and animal care teams, Berry was slow to recover from anesthesia and sadly, did not survive.

​Berry, at 14 years old, lived a long and remarkable life, far exceeding the typical lifespan of 8-10 years in the wild and slightly longer in managed care. She was a beloved member of our zoo family and a fitting ambassador for her species, captivating the hearts of visitors, staff, and volunteers with her playful demeanor and striking natural beauty. Her presence inspired countless moments of joy and fostered a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation among all who had the privilege of knowing her. Red Pandas are a critically endangered in the wild, with as few as 2,500 individuals remaining.

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Berry also served as the honorary Mayor of the Zoo, a position she held with charm and grace. Her role as Mayor will be paused as we take time to mourn her loss. Details about the continuation of this zoo tradition will be shared at a later time.

“Berry was such a special part of our zoo community, her passing is a really tough loss for us,” said CEO, Jim Wharton. “She was a true ambassador for her species, helping us educate and inspire guests of all ages about the importance of protecting red pandas and their habitats. Her memory will certainly live on in the hearts of all who loved her.”

A necropsy will be performed to better understand the details and circumstances surrounding her passing. The zoo will share additional information as it becomes available.

We extend our gratitude to our veterinary and animal care teams for their exceptional care throughout her life. This loss will be deeply felt by everyone at the zoo and the many who were touched by Berry’s presence.

For those wishing to honor Berry’s legacy, the zoo invites the public to support red panda conservation efforts by contributing here https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/donate.html.