TOKYO - The death of a baby panda in Japan stopped regular television programming and brought a zoo director to tears, a week after its birth sent ripples of excitement across the nation.
Newscasts had dedicated a nightly segment to the male cub's daily activities since his birth on July 5, with retailers unveiling a host of panda-themed products in celebration.
The unnamed cub was initially hailed as a rare success for Japan's captive breeding program; it was Tokyo Zoo's first panda born in 24 years and the only one conceived naturally.
But the enthusiasm turned to grief after the zoo said the tiny, 144-gram male infant had died of pneumonia, bringing zoo director Toshimitsu Doi to tears.