Miller Park Zoo announces death of Red Panda

According to a zoo news release, Burma died on Monday. Zoo staff recently observed Burma showing lethargy and slight behavioral changes. (Photo courtesy Miller Park Zoo)

By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo announced the death of its male red panda, Burma.

According to a zoo news release, Burma died on Monday. Zoo staff recently observed Burma showing lethargy and slight behavioral changes.

Tests showed he was having health issues related to changes in his adrenal glands, and zoo staff started treatment immediately. Zoo staff found him dead in his habitat Monday morning.

The exact cause of his death is unknown it is believed to be related to the symptoms they were treating. According to the Zoo, adrenal issues can result in other internal system failures, including cardiac events

Burma and his sister China were both born at Miller Park Zoo in 2019. China will remain under observation by her caregivers.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…