The Assiniboine Park Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its red pandas.
Sachi, who was born in 2012 at Chausuyama Zoo in Nagano, Japan, arrived at Assiniboine Park Zoo in July 2014.
"Sachi was considered a geriatric panda at 13 years old, with the median life expectancy for red pandas in care being ten years," said the Assiniboine Park Zoo in a post on Facebook.
For years, Sachi had been receiving care to deal with gastrointestinal disturbances, and while treatment was typically effective at resolving her symptoms, it was no longer working, and the disturbances began to increase in frequency.
"Recently, her health took a turn for the worse. After a thorough examination of her health and quality of life, the Zoo veterinary team determined that humane euthanasia was the best course of action for Sachi," said the zoo. "Post-mortem examinations and testing have also revealed that Sachi had experienced changes in her heart health as she aged."
The Zoo says Sachi was a great ambassador for her species, helping to educate visitors about red pandas and the challenges the endangered species faces.
Sachi has three surviving offspring with her partner, Tango, including Tanvi and Suva, who live at Assiniboine Park Zoo, and Crimson, who lives at Zoo de Granby.
"Sachi touched many lives and was cared for by several Animal Care Professionals here at the Zoo who will all greatly miss her and her cute curly tail."