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Newquay Zoo's red panda sticking out her tongue

Red pandas: 5 fabulous facts that will leave you smitten

Are you a lover of cuteness? Then prepare to have your heart melted by the adorable and fascinating red pandas of Newquay Zoo.

Superstar Seren has been making our visitors swoon since she arrived in 2019. Our newest addition, Sundara, is quickly following in her footsteps – or paw prints, we should say! But what makes these red pandas so incredibly special, you ask? Get ready for a dose of delightful facts that will leave you smitten!

1. Misleading moniker

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Red pandas are the original panda, being named nearly 50 years before giant pandas were discovered. Despite their name, red pandas are not related to giant pandas. In fact, they belong to their own unique family called Ailuridae, which puts them in a separate evolutionary league altogether. These charming creatures are actually more closely related to raccoons, skunks, and weasels, and sometimes even go by the nickname “firefoxes.”

2. Bamboo bingers

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Red pandas play a crucial role as “ecosystem engineers.” They feed primarily on bamboo, which not only satisfies their appetite but also has a huge impact on bamboo growth and regeneration. By doing their part as bamboo aficionados, red pandas support other plant and animal species that also rely on this quick sprouting shrub. They sometimes indulge in fruits and berries as well, helping to disperse seeds and promote the growth of new plants.

3. Acrobatic abilities

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Red pandas are excellent climbers. They have sharp, semi-retractable claws and a specialized wrist bone that acts as a sixth digit, enabling them to grasp tree branches tightly. They are capable of rotating their ankles, which means they can gracefully descend from trees headfirst – a talent that’s unmatched among their fellow mammals.

4. Adorable appearance

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Red pandas boast a striking and utterly charming appearance. They have reddish-brown fur on their back, with white fur on their face, belly, and tail. Their bushy tail is quite long and serves as a counterbalance while they navigate treetops. The undersides of their paws are covered in fur to provide extra insulation from the cold and maintain grip on slippery surfaces.

5. Crepuscular creatures

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Red pandas are crepuscular animals, which means they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. While they spend their daylight hours catching up on beauty sleep in the safety of tree branches, they come alive in the cooler evenings to embark on their foraging adventures. This behaviour helps them avoid extreme temperatures and potential predators.

Red panda conservation

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Red pandas are a unique and distinct species, cherished by local communities and are often considered symbolic animals in the regions where they are found. Sadly, they are classified as endangered by the IUCN due to various threats, including hunting, poaching, competition with domestic livestock, and habitat loss caused by deforestation and fragmentation.

Thankfully, conservation efforts are in full swing to safeguard the future of these charming creatures. Ex-situ breeding programs and habitat preservation initiatives are making significant strides to ensure a sustainable future for red pandas and the remarkable ecosystems they call home. And guess what? You can be a part of this noble mission too!

If you’re ready to lend a helping hand and contribute to red panda conservation, why not consider sponsoring one of these incredible animals? Your donation will go a long way in supporting their protection and securing a brighter future for these furry friends. Together, we can make a real difference and ensure that the world remains a place filled with wonder, beauty, and, of course, irresistibly adorable red pandas. Join us on this exciting journey today – click here to sponsor a red panda.


Can’t get enough red pandas? Check out the video below for some bonus cuteness!