If you have visited your Akron Zoo since the opening of Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia in May, your heart has probably been captured by our red panda sisters, Coco, Lulu, and Penny. Not only are these girls a fan favorite, but they are ambassadors for red pandas as a species as a whole. Unfortunately, red pandas are classified as critically endangered in their native habitat, and we need the help of people like you to protect them.
International Red Panda Day was started in 2010 by the Red Panda Network as a way to raise awareness about red pandas and their conservation. Over the course of the last 20 years, the global red panda population has declined by 50%, and researchers estimate that there may be as few as 2,500 individuals remaining in their native habitat today. The greatest threat to this species is the fragmentation of their habitat, which not only shrinks the space in which pandas can live, but also cuts off individual groups from one another. The Red Panda Network is working to restore this habitat by planting new trees in areas that have been cleared, and by protecting forest corridors that link multiple protected areas together.
The Akron Zoo has participated in International Red Panda Day every year except 2019, when Wild Asia was under construction. Red Panda Keeper, Lisa Melnik, even gave a virtual presentation in 2020 as part of the Red Panda Network’s global event, when many people were still not able to gather in person. However, endangered species awareness is not a single day event – we see conservation as our duty, year-round. This is why the Akron Zoo supports the Red Panda Network annually through our Conservation Fund, most recently sponsoring the training of 28 new Forest Guardians.
We also work hard to support red panda conservation here at home by participating in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). This plan helps set population goals and management plans for red pandas in human care in order to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population. Though the Akron Zoo does not currently have a breeding pair of red pandas, we designed the Wild Asia habitat with breeding in mind. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor space, including a private outdoor area that can be used for cubbing.
Be sure to swing by your Akron Zoo today to learn more about red pandas and meet our adorable triplets! Keeper Lisa will also be giving keeper talks and trainings throughout the day, so it is an experience you won’t want to miss! As always, a portion of your admission goes to our conservation fund, which helps us support conservation organizations, such as the Red Panda Network. You can also support our conservation fund by giving directly through our website. Thank you for helping us protect these incredible animals!