Folly Farm has announced the sad passing of one if its much loved and ‘sweet natured’ residents.

“It is with great sadness that we confirm our male red panda, Baika, passed away recently due to suspected heart disease,” the Adventure Park and Zoo, situated in Begelly, shared on social media on May 1.

“Baika was eight and a half years old and arrived at Folly Farm in the summer of 2018 along with female ’Lotus’ who still resides with us in our Asian Adventure habitat.

“Being solitary animals by nature, red pandas are fairly shy animals. Baika was an extremely sweet natured character who was very much loved by all the keepers.

“Our thoughts are with them at this time.”