PREVIEW

Oregon Mourns Its Beloved Red Panda 'Sir Snacks-a-lot’. Keepers at Oregon Zoo are mourning the loss of beloved red panda Moshu, aka Sir Snacks-a-lot after he passed away on 14 May, more than a year after being diagnosed with severe heart disease. Nicknamed “Sir Snacks-a-Lot,” Moshu was a favourite on the zoo’s social media channels, known for his adorable “bleps” and “snack quests” in search of bamboo, apple slices and other red panda delicacies. “He was an incredible ambassador for his species,” said Rachel Ritchason, the zoo’s deputy director for animal care. “He inspired millions of people and brightened so many lives.” At nearly 14, Moshu was considered elderly for red pandas. In recent years, his care team adjusted his habitat and routine — softening his favorite biscuits to make snack time easier and brushing his tail to help with grooming. Ramps were added throughout his habitat for easier climbing, and cold-laser therapy helped him stay limber and active. “Moshu lived longer than any of us expected, and he had an amazing quality of life right until the end,” Ritchason said. “It’s a great testament to his care team that he was able to manage a serious condition like that for such a long time. We just focused on making every day as comfortable as possible for him.”