Red panda
Scientific name: Ailurus fulgens
IUCN listed as: Endangered
Learn before you visit!
Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.
Child-friendly
Everyday
Diet
Red pandas primarily feed on bamboo, which makes up the majority of their diet. However, they are also known to consume fruits, berries, acorns, roots, and occasionally insects and small animals. Their diet mainly consists of bamboo leaves, shoots, and stems, but they supplement it with other plant materials and, to a lesser extent, some animal protein.
Red pandas mainly eat bamboo, like the big pandas do. But they also enjoy munching on fruits, berries, nuts, and even bugs sometimes!
Breeding
Red pandas breed in winter, often between January and March. After courtship rituals, mating occurs multiple times to increase chances of fertilization. Gestation lasts around 90 to 150 days, with females giving birth to one to four cubs. The mother cares for the blind and helpless cubs in a secluded nest until they are ready to explore on their own after about a year.
Red pandas have babies in the winter. The mummy red panda takes care of the babies in a cozy nest. The babies are born blind and tiny. They stay with their mom for about a year before exploring on their own.
Habitat
Red pandas live in the mountainous forests of Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. They prefer dense bamboo undergrowth and temperate climates at elevations between 2,200 and 4,800 meters (7,200 and 15,700 feet) above sea level.
Red pandas make their homes in the cool, mountain forests of Asia, in countries like Nepal, India, and China. They love areas with lots of bamboo, which is their favourite food. You can find them hanging out in the trees, munching on bamboo leaves and playing with their friends.
At the zoo
In UK zoos, red pandas live in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat in the forests of Asia, complete with trees and branches to climb. They receive carefully balanced diets consisting of bamboo, fruits, and specially formulated pellets to keep them healthy. Enrichment activities like puzzle feeders and ropes are provided to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Additionally, zoos play a role in conservation efforts to protect red panda populations and their habitats in the wild.
In UK zoos, red pandas have comfy homes with trees to climb, just like in their Asian forest homes. They munch on bamboo, fruits, and special food to stay healthy. Fun toys like puzzle feeders and ropes keep them entertained. Zoos also work hard to protect red pandas and their homes in the wild, so they can stay happy and safe.
Behaviour
Red pandas are solitary creatures, but they’re excellent climbers, spending much of their time in trees. They communicate through sounds and scent-marking, using their unique scent glands on their tails. Despite being mostly nocturnal, they can sometimes be seen during the day. Playful by nature, they engage in activities like rolling and chasing.
Red pandas like to be by themselves most of the time, but they’re really good at climbing trees. They talk to each other by making sounds and leaving their special smells around. Even though they usually come out at night, you might spot them during the day. They’re super playful, often rolling around and chasing each other in the forest.
Fun facts
- Bamboo Lovers: Red pandas eat lots of bamboo, up to 20,000 leaves a day!
- Tree Huggers: They’re great climbers, spending most of their time in trees.
- Fluffy Tails: Red pandas have big, bushy tails they use for balance and warmth.
- Shy Guys: They like being alone, not hanging out in big groups.
- Cute Sounds: When happy, they make adorable honking noises, like sneezes!
- Bamboo Fans: Red pandas munch on loads of bamboo every day!
- Tree Climbers: They’re awesome at climbing trees and love hanging out up high.
- Fluffy Tails: They have big, bushy tails that they use for balance and snuggling up.
- Solo Stars: Red pandas like doing their own thing, not hanging out in big groups.
- Cute Noises: When they’re happy, they make adorable honking sounds that are like sneezes!
More animals to discover at our zoo
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