‘Fan favorite’ red panda known for ‘playful somersaults’ dies, CA zoo says

A 12-year-old panda known for his “artistic flair” and “spirited nature” died at a zoo, California officials said.

The red panda named Tenzing was showing neurological symptoms, including balance issues, and after the behavior became consistent zoo vets decided to perform advanced imaging and testing, according to a July 10 Facebook post by the San Francisco Zoo.

Testing revealed he had sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection, which is common among red pandas, zookeepers said.

The “fan favorite” Tenzing arrived at the zoo in 2014 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums survival plan for his species, officials said.

He “not only helped raise awareness about his wild counterparts but also contributed to the long-term sustainability of his species,” zookeepers said.

Tenzing was known for his “playful somersaults” and “engaging personality,” amassing fans “who fell in love with his creative antics,” the zoo said.

He was one to care about his own health, with zookeepers saying he’d gladly step onto a scale, officials said.

He was also known for his “artistic flair,” even grabbing a brush to make his “signature watercolor paintings,” officials said.

Red pandas are classified as endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, with fewer than 10,000 remaining in the wild, officials said.

The species can live to be 15 years old under human care, and zookeepers said Tenzing, “lived a rich and full life” while offering his “invaluable contribution to global conservation,” officials said.

This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 5:07 PM with the headline "‘Fan favorite’ red panda known for ‘playful somersaults’ dies, CA zoo says."