Brookfield, IL – A red panda named Leo passed away unexpectedly at the Brookfield Zoo. The zoo announced the five-year-old panda’s death on Wednesday, stating that he passed away suddenly.
Leo was born in 2017 at the Boise Zoo and he joined the Brookfield Zoo in 2018. In short order, he captured the hearts of his caretakers and zoo guests. The zoo described Leo’s favorite things, writing:
Leo’s favorite treats were dried cranberries, and he loved tearing up paper boxes and bags for enrichment. He was especially active exploring his habitat in the cooler months.
According to the zoo’s news release, Leo was also “incredibly talented” at painting canvases.
There was no cause of death provided by the zoo. In late October, the Toronto Zoo lost a baby red panda who was affectionately known as Baby Spice. Like Leo, the death was sudden and unexpected.
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