Red panda
Ailurus fulgens
The red panda is, despite its name, a closer relative of the racoon than the giant panda. Like the giant panda, the red panda’s favourite food is bamboo, but it eats a lot of other foods too.
The red panda is a skilled climber and likes to nap curled up on the fork of a branch. The female gives birth to her cubs in a nest in a tree hollow, from which the cubs only climb out after a few months. Each red panda’s mask pattern is unique.
Conservation
This species and the individuals living in Korkeasaari Zoo are part of an ex-situ conservation programme by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria EAZA, known as the EEP. The aim of the EEP is to maintain a healthy zoo population of the species, and to make reintroductions to the wild possible in the future. The EEP of this species is coordinated by Korkeasaari Zoo.
Korkeasaari Zoo has an ongoing project to support the conservation of red pandas in the wild. You can also support the conservation by donating!
Cat Valley
EAZA Ex-situ Programme
Endangerment
Distribution
Habitat
Diet
Size
Lifespan
8-10 years
Scientific classification
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ailuridae