Staff at Colchester Zoo are mourning the loss of one its beloved animals. 

An An, a male red panda, died at the zoo earlier this month after his condition deteriorated.

After receiving additional treatment, the decision was made to put him to sleep in the interest of his welfare.

An An was born June 23, 2009, at Municipal Zoological Garden in Warsaw, Poland and arrived at the north Essex zoo in May 2010. 

An An the red panda has died at Colchester ZooAn An the red panda has died at Colchester Zoo (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Emma, team leader of the carnivore section at Colchester Zoo, said: "I’ve had the pleasure of working with An An since he arrived at Colchester Zoo in May 2010, from Warsaw Zoo in Poland.

"As expected, it took him a while to trust his new keepers but once he did, he was quite the character. 

"An An will be missed by all past and present Carnivore keepers that had the opportunity to care for him."

An An’s passing now leaves one female red panda at Colchester Zoo, Liwei.

It is hoped that there will be further opportunities in the future to breed this endangered species again but for now, Liwei will remain in her habitat at River’s Edge.