Just 30 minutes ago, everything seemed normal at the Green Valley Zoo in Oregon.
32-year-old Michael Torres, a dedicated zookeeper with over 10 years of service, was carrying out his usual morning routine — delivering breakfast to Bai Yun, the zoo’s world-famous 7-year-old giant panda.
Known by visitors as “the gentlest in the enclosure,” Bai Yun was adored by thousands and had never shown aggression before. But in a matter of minutes, that image changed forever.
According to shocked witnesses, the panda suddenly lunged while Michael was inside the habitat. Staff rushed to help, alarms blared across the zoo, and emergency responders arrived within seconds — but it was too late. Michael’s injuries were severe, and despite desperate efforts, he tragically passed away on the scene.
Colleagues describe him as a man who “loved every animal like family,” and many zoo visitors recalled how Michael often smiled, telling children stories about the gentle panda. “He always said Bai Yun was his favorite,” one grieving coworker said.
The zoo has since been closed to the public, and experts are now investigating how such a tragedy could happen with an animal never before considered a threat.