A red panda cub will have to be hand reared after its mother Laya has died.
Bristol Zoo Project announced the death of one of three red pandas at the zoo, who had just given birth to her first cub Asha on 26 June.
The zoo said it was not yet clear how two-year-old Laya died. A full postmortem has been carried out and the zoo is awaiting the results.
“Our team’s priority now will be caring for Laya’s cub, Asha, who was still dependent on her mum for food and care,” Bristol Zoo Project said in a statement. The zoo’s vet and animal teams will hand-rear Asha and give her “round the clock care”.
The cub will now be fed a specially formulated diet every three to four hours.
Laya’s death comes shortly after red panda Lionel died at Longleat safari park of natural causes on 14 September.
“Laya was a favourite of staff, volunteers and visitors, and she’ll be hugely missed,” the zoo said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the dedicated keepers who loved and cared for her every day.
“We’d like to thank everyone for their support and kindness during this time.”