New Bedford Mourns Beloved Red Panda at Buttonwood Park Zoo

Workers and guests alike were saddened Thursday afternoon to learn of the passing of one of the most beloved animals at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Marie, the zoo's first female red panda, was the kind of animal that made you wish you could pluck her from behind the glass and cuddle with her in real life.

Marie the Red Panda Was a Fan Favorite

To say Marie the red panda was cute would be an understatement. She was like a living stuffed animal and was known for her gentle personality and her historic role in the birth of Kodo, the first red panda ever born in the City of New Bedford.

Marie Had Been Battling a Medical Condition

Marie had been fighting an issue in her back left leg. Inflammation had been making things worse, but there was hope as she began to show signs of improvement after starting a prescribed medication.

“Although she was briefly showing signs of improvement,” said BPZoo Veterinarian Dr Emmy Budas, “Marie developed abnormal clinical signs over the last weekend in May. She became weaker, restless, scared, lethargic, and had a decreased appetite. We noticed that her skin and gums were yellow which raised concerns about liver failure. Despite the supportive care Marie was receiving I could tell she was very sick.”

Red Panda Marie Passed Away Over Memorial Day Weekend

Sadly, the cheerful and affectionate red panda passed away during Memorial Day Weekend. The cause of death was determined to be liver failure due to blood clots that blocked blood flow to both her liver and spinal cord.

The Red Panda Legacy Continues at Buttonwood Park Zoo

While Marie is no longer with us, her legacy continues through her offspring Kodo, Sprout, and Pip who all remain at New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo. The red panda family continues to bring joy to visitors and keep Marie’s memory alive.