Summary
We have two red pandas at Bristol Zoo, 2 year old female, Shifumi and 10 month old male, Pan. Pan joined us in July 2021 and it is hoped the pair will breed, helping to boost the population of red pandas whose population is declining.
The red panda is also known as the 'red cat bear'. In China it is called "hon ho" or "fire fox".
Red pandas are excellent climbers, using their strong claws to grasp branches. Their red fur helps them blend with the reddish moss and white lichen growing on fir trees in the wild. Make sure to look out for our red pandas at the top of their tall tree here at the Zoo.
Red pandas have glands located near their anus that produce a musky scent which may be used in scent-marking territories. They can also make a series of hisses and snorts when startled.