Based on an agreement concerning the conservation, research, and education of endangered animals (*1), the examination and treatment of Red Panda were carried out at the Animal Medical Center attached to Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University.

Tokyo Zoological Park Society and Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University signed a "Basic Agreement on the Conservation, Research, and Education of Rare Animals (*1)" in 2014 and are working on research into the breeding and nutritional physiology of various rare animals, as well as establishing diagnostic and treatment methods for their diseases.

Red Panda named "Franken" (13 years old) kept at Tama Zoo began showing a wound at the tip of his tail around spring 2025, and then an abnormality in his gait was observed around November.

On December 1st, CT and MRI scans were performed at the Animal Medical Center affiliated with Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, revealing spinal cord compression due to vertebral displacement, which was identified as the cause of the gait abnormality.

Therefore, on December 23rd, the animal underwent surgery at the center to relieve the compression on its spinal cord, fix the vertebral bodies, and shorten its tail, which had become infected with bacteria. Although the surgery was lengthy, the veterinarians and veterinary nurses from our zoo and the animal medical center worked together to provide safe and appropriate treatment.

After the surgery, the animal was kept in the back area of our zoo for about two months with restricted exercise, and its activity level was gradually increased. On March 9, 2026, it was put back on display in the outdoor enclosure. As of April, it is allowed to move freely between the indoor and outdoor areas, and its condition is being monitored.

Going forward, we will continue to combine the expertise of zoos and universities to work towards the conservation of endangered animals, the health management of zoo animals, and the improvement of animal welfare.

*1 Basic agreement between Tokyo Zoological Park Society and Nippon Medical School and Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University regarding the conservation, research, and education of endangered animals (concluded on June 20, 2014)