The Cape May County Zoo has announced that one of its red pandas has died.

County Commission Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, liaison to the county parks and zoo,
said the zoo staff was deeply saddened to learn of the death of the red panda, named David Bowie.

The findings of the necropsy (the veterinary equivalent of an autopsy) indicated
mesenteric torsion, a condition that occurs when the intestines twist. Most cases
are fatal, and the animals die very quickly.

David Bowie’s keepers said that he loved his craisins, was a whiz at his puzzle
feeders (though he often liked to cheat by flipping them), enjoyed climbing upside down
on the exhibit fencing and was incredibly sweet and patient during training sessions.

He was a visitor favorite and loved attention and spending time with his keepers.

The zoo is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. except during inclement weather. Visit the zoo website at cmcZoo.com.