Roger Williams Park Zoo Mourns Death of Red Panda Sha-Lei
Tuesday, October 04, 2022
The Roger Williams Park Zoo on Tuesday said that is saddened to announce the death of Sha-Lei, their female red panda.
Sha-Lei was recently diagnosed with heart failure, one of the red pandas most common causes of death.
"The name Sha-Lei is occasionally defined, in part, as 'an idealistic and generous soul, with a strong desire to uplift humanity,' or 'butterfly princess of the meadow,'" said Jenny Theuman, animal services manager.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"By simply existing, Sha-Lei uplifted and inspired all who met her through behind-the-scenes tours, profound guest experience programs, or for those lucky enough to provide her care through daily interactions and training sessions. While we mourn her loss, her impact on our world is unmistakable and unforgettable," said Theuman.
About She-Lei
Sha-Lei was born on June 13, 2009, at Valley Zoo in Edmonton and arrived at Roger Williams Park Zoo in January 2013. Thanks to the dedication and care of her keepers, Sha-Lei's heart failure was well managed with medications, and the team closely monitored her over the past few months by giving weekly voluntary ultrasounds.
Her quality of life declined sharply recently, and the decision was made to euthanize her humanely. Due to the staff's diligence, says the zoo, she exceeded the expected lifespan given by the veterinary cardiologists at the time of her diagnosis.
According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, red pandas are bamboo eaters native to Asia's high forests, like the more well-known giant pandas. Although they share some similarities with the panda name, the two species are not closely related.
Red pandas are much smaller than giant pandas and are the only living member of their taxonomic family. As with many wildlife animals, climate change has impacted red pandas—with less than 10,000 left in the wild.
The Zoo family will hold a very special place in its heart for Sha-Lei and she will be deeply missed.
"We encourage people to share photos and fond memories of Sha-Lei on the Zoo’s Facebook page – Facebook.com/RWPZoo; or the Zoo’s Instagram page – Instagram.com/rwpzoo so that her keepers may see your remembrances and kind words," says the Zoo,
About RWPZ
According to the Zoo:
"Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size.
As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence."
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