Red panda known for ‘playful sass’ dies, Utah zoo says. She was a guest favorite

An 8-year-old red panda known for her “playful sass” and “calm confidence” died after a severe health decline, Utah zookeepers said.

Kiaria, a Chinese red panda, came to the Hogle Zoo in November as part of a breeding program by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP), according to an Aug. 18 news release by the Salt Lake City-based zoo.

Kiaria had a history of gastrointestinal issues, which are common for red pandas, under human care, but in the recent months, she “had been eating well, sleeping, and showing her playful personality,” the zoo said.

On Aug. 14, her health began to rapidly decline, and after trying various treatments, the veterinary staff determined she would not recover, so she was humanely euthanized, zookeepers said.

Gastrointestinal issues are the third-leading cause of death in Chinese red pandas living in North American zoos, SSP Red Panda co-vet advisor James Steeil said in the release.

The “confident” Kiaria, known as the “boss of the cool room,” became a guest favorite after being debuted in March, the zoo said.

She would spend time with William, a 2-year-old Chinese red panda, as part of the breeding program but preferred her own space as red pandas are “naturally solitary,” the zoo said.

Chinese red pandas have reddish coats and stripes on their tails with “larger bodies and longer fur to help retain warmth,” zookeepers said.

The species faces threats of habitat loss and poaching, causing a 40% decline in overall population of Chinese red pandasin the last 20 years, the zoo said.

“It was an immense privilege to have Kiaria in our care. She was a meaningful ambassador for her endangered species, helping to inspire greater understanding and appreciation for red pandas,” zookeepers said.

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Red panda known for ‘playful sass’ dies, Utah zoo says. She was a guest favorite."