Beloved Red Panda At The San Francisco Zoo Dies
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, JUL 11 – Tenzing, a 12-year-old red panda and popular viral star, died from sarcocystosis, a parasitic infection causing neurological decline, the SF Zoo said Thursday.
- Tenzing, a 12-year-old male Himalayan red panda beloved for his playful nature, passed away peacefully at the San Francisco Zoo following a rapid health decline caused by a parasitic infection.
- Before zoo veterinarians identified sarcocystosis as the probable cause of his condition, Tenzing experienced occasional neurological problems, such as difficulty maintaining his balance.
- Tenzing arrived at the zoo in 2014, lived alongside another red panda, and was known for his playful and artistic behavior that endeared him to millions.
- Zoo officials stated, "Tenzing lived a rich and full life" and that his legacy will continue through vital conservation efforts, especially partnerships in the Asian region.
- Tenzing's passing highlights the endangered status of red pandas, whose populations have dwindled to fewer than 10,000 individuals living in the wild regions spanning the Himalayan foothills and parts of southwestern China.
11 Articles
11 Articles

‘Fan favorite’ red panda known for ‘playful somersaults’ dies, CA zoo says
Tenzing, red panda at San Francisco Zoo, has died
Tenzing, a 12-year-old male red panda known for his playful charm and viral antics, has died at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens after a rapid decline in health caused by a parasitic infection, zoo officials said.
Beloved red panda dies at San Francisco Zoo
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Zoo’s popular Himalayan red panda Tenzing has died, the zoo announced Thursday. “It is with deep sadness that San Francisco Zoo & Gardens announces the passing of Tenzing,” the SF Zoo said in a statement. “Tenzing was an extraordinary animal who touched the hearts of guests, volunteers, and staff alike and served as an unforgettable ambassador of his species.” Tenzing had suffered from neurological issues…
Beloved San Francisco Zoo red panda Tenzing dies at 12
SF Zoo’s Relentlessly Adorable Red Panda ‘Tenzing’ Has Died
While the SF Zoo tries to bring in giant panda bears, the zoo’s tinier specimen of the Himalayan red panda, 12-year-old viral video star and crowd favorite Tenzing, passed away this week from apparent complications of a parasitic infection. Longtime readers of this website will recall a phase in the spring of 2014 when we were posting pretty much everyday about a 10-month-old baby red panda that had just arrived at the SF Zoo. Within a week of …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium