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A Blank Park Zoo red panda has died

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August 8th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

(Des Moines, Iowa) – Officials with Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines have announced their male red panda, “Razz,” died earlier this week. In a post on social media, the Zoo said “Razz” was born on June 14, 2011, and first came to Blank Park Zoo in 2012, where he quickly became a guest favorite. After spending a few years at another zoo, he returned in June 2021. He loved a variety of treats like apples, grapes, berries, pears, and bananas.

Blank Park Zoo red panda “Razz.” (Facebook photo)

Red pandas typically live 8 to 10 years in the wild and can reach 15 years in human care. At 14 years old, Razz was the oldest red panda at Blank Park Zoo and had been under close quality-of-life monitoring in recent months as his health naturally declined with age.
The Zoo says his companion, “Tudou,” will continue to represent their species here at the zoo, giving guests the opportunity to learn more about red pandas and the conservation efforts that help protect them in the wild.