[Animals] Kelú, the only red panda born in Chile, died

[FNX Magokiler]

Kelú, the first and only red panda born in Chile, died due to a deterioration in his health, the Metropolitan Park Zoo (Parquemet) announced this Monday, where he lived.

The seven-year-old specimen was born on December 25, 2015 and was one of the main attractions of the facility.

The red panda, about 60 centimeters long, was the son of Japanese parents who arrived in Chile in 2014.

"Our red panda had an optimal clinical history, monitored annually in his preventive medicine exams, until 2018, when heart problems were detected, possibly of genetic origin. Since then Kelú began to have periodic check-ups with specialized cardiologists to monitor his condition and evolution over time," the zoo said in a statement.

He explained that in 2021, "in one of his cardiological checkups, complications secondary to his cardiac condition were detected, which were treated with pharmacological preparations formulated according to the recommendations of the Zoo's clinical team and the specialists who were advising on his condition."

 

 

"In mid-2022," the zoo continued, "his already advanced heart condition gave him a life expectancy of 6 months. Despite this, he remained stable, in good spirits, active and with behaviors consistent with his species, maintaining the bond." positive with his caregivers, who knew him since he was a puppy.

And he added that "during the last two months Kelú's heart began to show signs of his fatigue; he spent more time resting and his walks became shorter and shorter."

"Despite all the effort that the clinical and animal care team gave him, Kelú died in the company of the humans closest to him," he said.

"As Parquemet Zoo, we express our deep regret for the loss of Kelú and maintain our commitment to education, conservation, research and rehabilitation of wildlife, with the support of prestigious international organizations that endorse our high-standard work. Goodbye Kelú!", concluded the message.

Red pandas are classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, with around 2,500 left in the wild.

 

https://www.cooperativa.cl/noticias/pais/medioambiente/animales/murio-kelu-el-unico-panda-rojo-nacido-en-chile/2023-08-15/010940.html

Edited September 20, 2023 by [Ty]M@g0k1l3r
T/C.