Jackie the Red Panda Leaves Zoo Atlanta for Zoo Knoxville
ATLANTA – February 15, 2023 – Jackie, the red panda at Zoo Atlanta, will soon be off on a new adventure at a new home. The 5-year-old male will be leaving Atlanta for Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee during the week of February 20, 2023. The move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan® (SSP).
Jackie has been a popular ambassador for Zoo Atlanta‘s Members and guests since arriving in 2020. Two new female red pandas will be joining the Zoo Atlanta family in Jackie’s absence. Native to the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of India, red pandas are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Zoo Atlanta currently supports red panda conservation through its Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.
Red Panda Conservation
Red pandas are threatened by habitat loss, poaching for their pelts, and capture for the illegal pet trade. Zoo Atlanta works to counteract habitat loss by enabling continued support of the Red Panda Network’s reforestation nursery in Jaubari, Nepal.
Jackie the Red Panda is Ready for a New Adventure
Jackie the red panda is a beloved resident of the National Zoo in Washington, DC. For the past six years, she has been living in the zoo’s Asian Trail exhibit, entertaining visitors with her playful antics and adorable face. But now, Jackie is ready for a new adventure.
This week, Jackie will set off on a journey to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. There, she will join the rest of her species in a breeding program designed to ensure the survival of the species. Jackie will be the first red panda from the National Zoo to participate in this program.
The red panda is an endangered species, with fewer than 10,000 individuals living in the wild. The species is threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities. Conservationists hope that by establishing a breeding program, they can help boost the population of red pandas in the wild.
Jackie’s move to the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute is the first step in this process. The institute has a successful track record of breeding endangered species, and they are confident that they can help Jackie and other red pandas to successfully reproduce.
Jackie has been preparing for her journey for the past few weeks. She has been receiving special training to help her adjust to her new environment. She has also been receiving enrichment activities to keep her active and engaged.
The National Zoo and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute are excited to be working together to help ensure the survival of the red panda species. They are hopeful that Jackie’s journey will be the first of many successful breeding programs for the species.
Jackie’s New Home
Jackie will be living in a specially designed habitat at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. The habitat is designed to provide her with plenty of room to roam and explore. It also includes a variety of enrichment activities and other activities to keep her entertained and engaged.
The habitat also includes a variety of plants and trees, which will provide her with plenty of food and shelter. She will also have access to a pool to keep her cool in the hot summer months.
Jackie’s New Friends
At the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Jackie will be joining a group of other red pandas. She will be able to interact with her new friends and learn how to socialize with them. This will be an important part of her adjustment to her new home.
The other red pandas at the institute will also provide her with companionship and support. They will help her to feel more comfortable in her new environment and will be a source of comfort and security.
Jackie’s New Adventure
Jackie’s new adventure is just beginning. She is leaving behind her home at the National Zoo and embarking on a journey to a new home. She is sure to face some challenges along the way, but with the help of her new friends and the support of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, she is sure to succeed.
Jackie’s journey is an exciting one, and she is sure to make many new friends along the way. We wish her the best of luck on her new adventure, and we look forward to hearing about her progress in the months and years to come.
