Red panda
Distribution
Hymalayan Mountain Range
Diet
Omnivore
Habitat
Subtropical an temperate forests
Latin Name
Ailurus fulgens
IUCN conservation status
Featuring a splendid red coat, red pandas have only their name and their love of bamboo in common with their famous "cousins", the giant pandas.
Interesting informations
An almost Exclusive Bamboo Diet
The word panda literally means "bamboo eater". In fact, They have a false thumb that helps them to grasp bamboo stems and tear off the leaves. Although the woody plant is the main part of their diet, they also eat roots, lichen, fruit, eggs and small animals.
Equipped for a Life Perched Up in the Trees
Red pandas have sharp semi-retractable claws very useful when climbing trees. These small mammals even climb down tree trunks head first. Their particularly bushy tail is used as a pendulum when moving upwards and acts as a scarf to help them keep warm in winter.
A Solitary Life almost All Year-Round
Red Pandas only socialize during the breeding season, a brief period between January and March. They leave scent signals at strategic points throughout their territory to mark their presence. A few days before the birth of her cubs, the female builds a nest and takes care of her young alone.
A 50% Population Decrease over the Last 20 Years
The rapid expansion of human populations in their distribution area is leading to the fragmentation of their habitat through deforestation. Poaching activities are reportedly on the rise and the special life cycle of bamboo, their main food source, adds to the threats. There are fewer than 10,000 red pandas still living in the wild.
Featured animals
Crimson
Date of birth
June 16, 2019
Weight
18.04 lb / 8.2 kg
Profile
A female full of character, Crimson was born at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. Arriving at the Granby Zoo in 2020, she has formed a couple with Maple since 2023. The objective: for both partners to contribute to the survival of their species!
Fun fact
To spot Crimson in her habitat, just look towards the top of the large pine tree. She seems to have adopted this spot and can spend the entire day sleeping here. Comfort at its best!
Maple
Date of birth
June 14, 2022
Weight
16.5 lb / 7.5 kg
Profile
Born in the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Maple arrived at the Zoo de Granby in 2023. With a unique genetic makeup, it's truly in his best interest to reproduce in order to participate in the conservation of this endangered species!
Fun fact
Maple has a big appetite! At lunchtime, he prefers pears and grapes!
