Panda Updates – Friday, January 16

The IUCN Red List has the red panda (ailurus fulgens) listed as Endangered. Their populations are declining for a multitude of reasons such as “housing and commercial development, mining, and climate change”, but another issue they are currently facing is from poaching and the wildlife pet trade. The Red Panda Network shared in July of 2019 that the “poaching of this species is on the rise”, and this problem, in conjunction with the other aforementioned threats that red pandas are facing will continue to negatively impact their numbers. You can help make a difference by not sharing videos or photos of red pandas in non-naturalistic environments. Did you know that Zoo Atlanta supports the Red Panda Network and their efforts to help conserve red pandas in the wild? So just by coming to the Zoo you’re helping! Our hope is that if you get a chance to see Idgie the red panda and learn more about her and the threats that red pandas are facing in the wild, you will be able to spread this message to more people and help make a difference!

Don’t forget to check out the Red Panda Network’s website to learn more!
Amanda D.
Keeper I, Mammals

(Photo by Allyson Busch)