Tohui, the first naturally conceived panda born in captivity outside China, has died at the Chapultepec Zoo where she was born.
The 12-year-old panda, which delighted thousands of Mexican schoolchildren, had been diagnosed with chronic intestinal inflammation over the summer. Tissue samples were sent to a laboratory to determine the exact cause of death."Tohui was loved by many. This is a moment of great sadness," said zoo director Maria Elena Hoyo.
Pandas, an endangered species, normally live up to 20 years in captivity, but Tohui had suffered from infections and other ailments since giving birth in 1990. She mated with a panda on loan from London.
Seven days ago, the 206-pound panda stopped eating her usual daily meals of cooked rice, milk and leafy greens. She grew listless and unresponsive in the final 48 hours before her death Tuesday, Elena Hoyo said.
Tohui was buried in the zoo's garden, Elena Hoyo said.