Tragedy at Green Valley Zoo: Zookeeper Injured in Panda Enclosure

A sense of shock and sadness hangs over Oregon’s Green Valley Zoo after a serious incident on the morning of August 23, 2025, left longtime zookeeper Michael Torres, 32, critically injured. Torres, known by colleagues for his steady presence and deep affection for the animals in his care, was carrying out routine morning duties when the unexpected occurred.

According to zoo officials, Michael had entered the enclosure of Bai Yun, a seven-year-old panda he had cared for for years. Bai Yun, typically recognized for her gentle temperament, appeared unusually unsettled that morning. Surveillance footage shows signs of nervous pacing before the sudden, aggressive behavior that led to the attack.

Staff responded within moments, activating emergency protocols and entering the enclosure to pull Michael to safety. He was transported immediately to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition. His colleagues describe the situation as heartbreaking, given the trust and consistency that usually characterize his work with Bai Yun.

Veterinarians and behavioral specialists are now closely monitoring the panda and reviewing potential causes for the sudden shift in behavior. Early considerations include stress, illness, environmental disruption, or an instinctive reaction triggered by something in the enclosure. As a precaution, the panda habitat has been temporarily closed to the public.

The incident has deeply affected staff, volunteers, and the broader zoo community. Michael is widely regarded as compassionate, patient, and exceptionally devoted to animal care — qualities that earned him admiration from both coworkers and frequent visitors. Messages of support for his recovery have poured in from around the country.

Green Valley Zoo has stated it will remain fully transparent as investigations continue and has reaffirmed its commitment to both staff safety and animal welfare. The focus now rests on understanding what occurred, supporting Michael and his loved ones, and ensuring the well-being of Bai Yun, who is under careful observation.