Moshu, a red panda who became one of the most beloved animals at the Oregon Zoo, died Wednesday morning, the zoo announced.
It’s not clear what caused his death. Moshu was elderly for his species at age 13 and was diagnosed with severe heart disease last year, the zoo said.
He came to the zoo in 2019 and joined another red panda, Mei Mei. Very quickly, he became a fan favorite both online and for visitors passing by the zoo’s Discovery Zone.
“He was an incredible ambassador for his species,” said Rachel Ritchason, the Oregon Zoo’s deputy director for animal care, in a news release. “He inspired millions of people and brightened so many lives.”
Moshu’s tiny stature, curly whiskers and red, white and black fur endeared him to many. The zoo frequently posted videos of the red panda, even starting a campaign called “Moshu Mondays” featuring up-close photos. At times, he would boop the camera with his black nose, stick his small tongue out and munch on snacks like bamboo and apple slices.
Nicknamed “Sir Snacks-a-Lot,” he became somewhat of an Oregon celebrity. Even U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, took time to visit him.
The zoo wrote in a video dedicated to Moshu that he’ll be remembered for his sweet personality and love for apples.
Moshu was born on June 20, 2011, at the Red River Zoo in Fargo, North Dakota. He made his way to Portland from the Nashville Zoo and fathered four cubs during his lifetime. One was Pabu, a male conceived with Mei Mei.
Mei Mei and Pabu later moved to ZooMontana in Billings in 2021.
Due to his age, the zoo wrote they had to adjust Moshu’s habitat and routine. Some changes included softening biscuits so he could still partake in snack time and brushing his tail. In addition, zoo staff added ramps in his habitat, and gave him physical therapy to help him stay active.
Red pandas live eight to 10 years in the wild, according to PBS, and typically live a bit longer when cared for by humans. A zoo spokesperson previously told The Oregonian that the median life expectancy at accredited zoos is 10 to 12 years.
“We just focused on making every day as comfortable as possible for him,” Ritchason said.
Hundreds of people commented on the zoo’s Facebook page sharing what they loved about Moshu. One person wrote, “I followed for every Moshu Monday post.”
Portland artist Mike Bennett, who hand-painted large two-dimensional wooden creatures mimicking the animals seen in the zoo, posted a photo Wednesday of his red panda design with a message to the beloved mammal.
“Rest easy Moshu,” he wrote.
—Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221-4323, [email protected] or on X @zaeemshake