Chattanooga Zoo officials say it's unclear what lead to the death of a red panda over the weekend.
Zoo employees said 3-year-old Maina was found unresponsive in her enclosure Saturday, according to a news release from the zoo. Attempts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful.
Results of a necropsy are expected to take up to 10 weeks.
"Most days working at the zoo are the most awesome experiences in the world, but then there are other days that can be very tough," said zoo CEO and president Dardenelle Long. "Saturday was one of those tough days. Losing animals that we have devoted our lives to care for is devastating for everyone who has been touched by these animals."
Maina, came to the Chattanooga Zoo from the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2014 as part of of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). This summer, she gave birth to two cubs, which have not been named.
She was placed by the SSP as a breeding recommendation for the Chattanooga Zoo's resident male red panda, Wyatt. Maina is survived by Wyatt and Ruth, the Zoo's two adult red pandas, and her two male cubs.
Zoo officials said their focus is now on taking care of her 3-month-old cubs.
"Our staff is doing a remarkable job focusing on our cubs," Long said. "And perhaps being so involved with the cubs is helping to ease the grief and shock of this loss."