Soft Whispers Among the Branches: The Life and Passing of Sundar the Red Panda

In the gentle hush of Te Nukuau Wellington Zoo, where the rustle of leaves often carries the playful echoes of curious visitors and resident animals, a beloved presence has slipped peacefully out of this world. Sundar, a red panda known to generations of zoo‑goers for his bright eyes and quiet dignity, has died after more than a decade in the care of keepers who cherished his presence like an old friend. His passing marks a reflective moment, one that draws into focus the tender bonds formed between humans and the creatures we welcome into our lives.

At 12 years old, Sundar had far outlived the typical expectancy of red pandas, which in the wild often live between eight and 10 years, and in captivity slightly longer. In recent months, however, his health began to decline, shaped by the slow toll of age and an aching hip condition that made the trees he once climbed with grace increasingly difficult to navigate. Alongside this, age‑related dental disease added to his discomfort, prompting keepers and veterinarians to make the compassionate decision to ease his suffering through euthanasia. It was, as the animal care team noted, a choice made in the interest of his welfare.

Sundar’s story at Wellington Zoo began more than 11 years ago when he arrived from Auckland Zoo under an international conservation breeding programme. His gentle spirit and calm curiosity endeared him to visitors and staff alike, and his role in the birth of his son Ngima at the zoo was celebrated as a rare and joyful success for the endangered species. Over the years, Sundar became more than an exhibit; he was an ambassador for red pandas, helping countless people learn about their fragile existence in the wild.

The scene now feels quieter without him. Zoo staff, many of whom had cared for Sundar throughout his life, speak of their loss with a kind of soft reverence. For them, caring for his needs — from routine check‑ups to the small comforts of his favourite treats — was not solely a professional duty but a heartfelt commitment. Even as the zoo continues its broader mission of conservation, education, and connection, the absence of Sundar’s familiar figure serves as a reminder of the depth of relationship our world can hold with the animals in our care.

Wellington Zoo still cares for two other red pandas — Sundar’s partner Khusi and their son Ngima — living separately in line with the species’ solitary nature. Staff say they will take the time to grieve, even as they uphold the guiding principle of prioritising animal welfare throughout every stage of life. As the community remembers Sundar’s gentle presence, conversations about conservation and our role in protecting endangered species continue to ripple outward, carried by the quiet memory of a red panda who delighted so many.

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Sources: RNZ News, RNZ conservation roundup.