Red Panda

Physical Characteristics

Red pandas are a rusty red with light hair on the ears and face. They have a ring tail and dark patches around their eyes. The tail is not prehensile, but instead is used for balance. They are nocturnal and crepuscular spending most of the day napping. Their claws are semi-retractable and they have fur on the bottom of their feet. They typically weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.

Habitat

The range includes Nepal, Sikkimi, Bhutan, Northern Burma, and provinces of Hunan and, Sechuan in south central China.

Diet

In the wild, they eat bamboo, other grasses, roots, fruits, nuts, and occasionally insects. They also eat eggs, young birds, and small rodents. In the zoo, they eat panda chow, which is an apple flavored biscuit developed for animals who are leaf eaters. They also like bananas, apples, and grapes.

Lifespan and Reproduction

Red pandas have a lifespan of 18 years in captivity. Mating takes place in January through March with birth occurring in June or July. One to four young are born in each litter.  Babies are often born in hollow logs and other den areas. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for their eyes to open. Full adult coloration is reached in three months. Young usually stay with the mother for about a year or until the next litter is born.  In the wild, they travel in pairs or small family groups, but some information suggests that they are solitary. The average home range is about one square mile.

Classification

There has been much debate over the years regarding how red pandas should be classified. Once belonging to the raccoon family, scientists at one point determined they should be part of the bear family along with the giant panda. There are many similarities among both types of pandas such as food preference, range, and adaptation of their front feet. Both animals have elongated wrist bones which form a unique pad for grasping bamboo and other food.

However, the most recent genetic testing has now classified them in a family of their own called Ailuridae. They are most closely related to skunks, weasels and raccoons.

Miller Park Zoo’s Red Panda

China is a female red panda that was born here in 2019. She has a timid personality, but eventually warms up to new people. Her favorite things are apples, bananas and sleeping. She enjoys the cold weather, especially when it snows! China is part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for red pandas. Plans are underway to bring a male red panda to Miller Park Zoo with the hopes that they will become a successful breeding pair.