The Philadelphia Zoo announced the death of Khumbie, their beloved 11-year-old red panda. According to zoo officials, during Khumbie’s annual exam under anesthesia, his bloodwork showed some unexpected abnormalities, and the veterinary team decided to pursue exploratory surgery. That’s when i t was discovered that he had abnormalities throughout his liver, gallbladder, and abdominal lymph nodes consistent with cancer. The team at the zoo then made the decision to humanely euthanize Khumbie. Credit: Philadelphia Zoo At 11 years old, the zoo said that Khumbie was entering his geriatric years. In the wild, red pandas typically live between 8 to 10 years. “Khumbie spent nearly his entire life at Philadelphia Zoo and was a favorite among all for his gentle demeanor, personality and readiness to participate in training,” the zoo wrote in a statement. “He served as an incredible ambassador for his species for not only the hundreds of thousands of guests who met him in person, but also the millions of people who engaged with his picture-perfect photos and cute-as-can-be videos online.” “He was often seen interacting with themed enrichment for all types of celebrations. He thrived in Philadelphia winters, enjoying every snow fall and the snowmen his care team would create with his favorite foods,” the zoo added. Credit: Philadelphia Zoo According to the zoo, red pandas are known as “cat bears” because they tend to strike out in a bear-like manner. The red panda population is estimated at fewer than 10,000 mature individuals, with a continuing decline of more than 10% over the next 3 generations. The major threats to them are habitat loss/fragmentation, poaching, and inbreeding. Red pandas are found in Nepal, Sikkim, northern Burma, and Yunnan, and Szechwan in south central China. ...read more read less