Red pandas are seriously cute animals, but there’s more to these fluffy friends than their adorable looks. Like many of the world’s animal species, the red panda gets more fascinating the deeper you look into their lives and behavior. Today, let’s dive into the world of red pandas and see what we can discover!
First things first, how are red pandas related to the black and white pandas we know and love? And are these cute critters raccoons or bears? Well, as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute explains, “Despite sharing a common name, giant pandas and red pandas are not closely related.” The red panda also isn’t a bear or a raccoon. In fact, they’re “most closely related to skunks, raccoons and weasels.”
Learn even more about these unique creatures in the list of red panda facts below! Plus, read about a 2013 red panda zoo escape here.
Take a break from your day to check out these adorable animals.
Meet Scarlet, Taizong, and Xena, the adorable new red pandas that arrived at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute earlier this month. A press release with commentary from veterinarian Kristi Delaski and animal keepers Jessica Kordell and Ish Ganame introduced the three red pandas and their personalities. By studying the pandas, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute hopes to learn more about the animals and increase their numbers.
“We have several red panda health research projects in the works,” Delaski said in the press release. “The first looks at their gut microbiome. They are an interesting animal because although they eat mostly bamboo, they have the digestive system of a carnivore. We’re studying how the type of bacteria found in their gut changes depending on the season, their activity levels and the level of stress hormones in their fecal samples. We’re also interested in seeing what (if any) effect a panda’s personality has on their microbiome.”
With research and breeding projects in the works, the Smithsonian campus in Front Royal, Va. also makes sure to provide the red pandas with proper care and enrichment. Foods like bamboo and leafeater biscuits keep the pandas full, while toys like boxes and balls keep them stimulated. Of course, as Ganame explained, “When toys don’t have food, they are less interested.” Puzzle feeders solve this issue by combining food and enrichment.
As for personality, the three pandas each exhibit unique traits. Scarlet, the 2-year-old red panda, can be shy and anxious, while 3-year-old Xena and 1-year-old Taizong are more outgoing.
“She is fearless—a lot like “Xena, Warrior Princess.” She does what she wants,” Ganame said of Xena.
To protect this endangered species, many North American zoos follow a Species Survival Plan for red pandas. The plan focuses on ensuring genetic diversity among red pandas to keep the species healthy and thriving.
Lead image via Jessica Kordell / Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
