PORTLAND, OREGON — Moshu, the Oregon Zoo’s red panda and global social media sensation, has been diagnosed with heart disease, the zoo announced this week.

At 12 years old, Moshu is considered a senior citizen, and staff describe him as having a very laid-back personality, so it can be difficult to tell if something is wrong.

But red pandas are so beloved by zookeepers that they noticed a change in the animal’s behavior a few months ago and took immediate action to test it.

The zoo said tests showed that Moshu had severe heart disease.

Before: Second red panda, Moshu, born at Oregon Zoo

Fortunately, he is now being helped heal with the same medication given to dogs and cats.

The zoo said, “Moshu seems to be doing well. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. He’s exploring, eating snacks given to him by the zookeepers throughout the day, and often sleeping.”

“He’s eating bamboo…I love seeing him eating bamboo, it tells me he’s feeling good,” says one of Moshu’s keepers. I did.

Following his diagnosis, the zoo changed Moshu’s schedule to allow for more advanced treatments such as cold laser therapy and heating pads, as well as plenty of Moshu’s favorite foods, such as biscuits and apples soaked in water. Gave.

“It is a blessing to work with Moshu every day. We work with him knowing that he is nearing the end of his life, which is why the care staff We just focus on our daily lives: lots of interaction, lots of friendliness, lots of delicious food. We want to make each day as comfortable as possible.