Stellar, 10, Loved Blueberries, Had 'Adorable Face'

SEATTLE, WA - Stellar the Red Panda (2007) went to the great bamboo forest in the sky last week after a sudden decline in health. Stellar was originally from Edmonton, Alb., but arrived at Woodland Park Zoo in 2008. She was one of four red pandas living at the Woodland Park Zoo and is survived by zoo-mates Carson, 3; Yukiko, 12; Hazel, 1; and zoo curator Mark Myers.

Stellar was remembered as a very "mellow and tractable" red panda with an especially adorable face. When necessary, zoo caretakers were always able to ply her with blueberries or biscuits soaked in apple juice.

"Stellar had a great personality and an adorable face that was hard to resist. She held a very special place in the hearts of her keepers and those in the community who had the pleasure of meeting her during special behind-the-scenes tours. It’s a very difficult loss for our staff and she’ll be missed very much,” Myers said.

Stellar was euthanized after experiencing medical complications, which a necropsy later revealed were likely related to liver disease. Further tests are pending.

Donations in Stellar's memory may be made to the Red Panda Network, which works to conserve Nepal's red panda population. Red panda habitat in Nepal and China is endangered due to deforestation, population growth, and the proliferation of agriculture.

Image via Woodland Park Zoo