We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Laya, our adult female red panda at Bristol Zoo Project.

Laya was one of three Endangered red pandas at the zoo and had recently given birth to her first cub, Asha, on June 26.

It is not yet clear how she died. A full postmortem has been carried out by our Veterinary team, but we will need to wait for the results of further tests to determine exactly what happened.

Our team’s priority will now be caring for Asha, who was still dependent on her mum for food and care. To give her the best chance of survival, our Vet and Animal teams will hand rear her. Over the coming days and weeks, she will be given round the clock care and fed a specially formulated diet every three to four hours, to ensure she receives the vital nutrients she needs.

Two-year-old Laya was a firm favourite of staff, volunteers and visitors and she touched the lives of many people during her time at the zoo.

Brian Zimmerman, Director of Conservation and Science at Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Laya arrived at Bristol Zoo Project in November 2024 from the Haute Touche Zoological Park in central France, as part of EAZA’s breeding programme to help protect the species, which we are a part of. She was a wonderful ambassador for her species. The wild population is thought to be as low as 2,500 individuals, threatened by habitat loss and poaching.

“In the short time Laya was with us she brought so much joy to staff, volunteers and visitors who enjoyed watching her climbing trees and exploring her habitat. With her gentle and inquisitive nature, she was loved by many, especially the dedicated keepers who cared for her each day.

“Most recently she had settled into her new role as a mother brilliantly, successfully nurturing and raising her cub, Asha. Our focus now is on continuing that care as best we can. We will also be closely monitoring our male red panda, Neora, as he adjusts to Laya’s absence.”