Ocean Park has announced the passing of its resident red panda, Rou Rou, who was euthanised on Tuesday at the age of 17 following a significant decline in her quality of life.

In a statement, the park said its animal care and veterinary teams had been providing comprehensive care for Rou Rou since 2021, carefully managing the various age-related conditions that accompany geriatric years.

However, in recent weeks, the animal began showing increasing signs of discomfort from degenerative joint issues that no longer responded to palliative treatment.

"Following a thorough assessment on her quality of life and welfare, the decision to humanely euthanise Rou Rou to prevent her from suffering unnecessarily was therefore made," the park said.

"Rou Rou was surrounded by her devoted caretakers in her final moments and passed away peacefully."

The park said Rou Rou was a beloved figure known for her gentle yet playful nature, which made her a favourite animal ambassador among visitors.

She arrived at Ocean Park in 2009 from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, alongside fellow red pandas Cong Cong and Tai Shan.

Cong Cong and Tai Shan, who are also 17 years old and experiencing some geriatric issues, remain healthy and stable for their age, according to the park.

Red pandas are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated population of fewer than 10,000 left in the wild.

Their average lifespan is around eight to 12 years.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden