Red Panda from National Zoo Euthanized after Encephalitis Infection

On Monday, zoo officials euthanized a red panda known as the mate of the younger male panda, Rusty, who escaped last year from the National Zoo.

At 7, Shama had given birth to three cubs on June 26. However, she had developed the neurological condition encephalitis by Wednesday, which developed rather quickly. By Saturday, officials had made the decision to put her to sleep, according to USA Today.

"Shama was euthanized due to her worsening clinical condition and poor neurological function, which was likely attributed to accumulation of fluid in the brain," zoo officials added.

The health issue causes irritation and swelling or inflammation of the brain and can produce symptom such as fever, severe headaches and even seizures. While the condition is relatively rare, a timely diagnosis and treatment determine survival following infection. For Shama, there was nothing else officials could do. Initial results via a necropsy showed that the encephalitis was from a microscopic parasite.

"Shama's death is a big loss for all of us and for those who study and care for red pandas everywhere," said Dennis Kelly, National Zoo director. "I have a lot of confidence in the team caring for the surviving cubs and hope this creates an opportunity for scientists to research infectious diseases that affect red pandas."

As red pandas remain endangered species that are distantly related to black and white giant pandas, they can grow anywhere between 7 and 14 pounds and are slightly similar in physical characteristics to a raccoon.