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Summary of Transcript:
March, and then the cubs are born in May or June. So we’re excited to see what happens this year.
Welcome to Blank Park Zoo‘s Hope for the Wild program. Chris Eckles, the chief engagement officer, explains that red pandas live in temperate forests in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and southern China. Their population has declined by 50% in the last 20 years. He explains that Blank Park Zoo has two red pandas, Raz (11 years old) and Tudou (5 years old) and that they are crepuscular, meaning they are more active at dawn and dusk. Ben, a zoo worker, explains that many names know red pandas and that 98% of their diet is bamboo. He explains that the zoo trains a variety of behaviors with the red pandas and gives them a mixture of bamboo, leaf eater biscuits, and fruits and vegetables as food. Lastly, he explains that red pandas sleep in their tails and that Blank Park Zoo is part of a species survival plan for the pair, hoping for a baby in May or June.
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Red Pandas in the Wild
Red pandas, one of the most adorable animals on the planet, are getting much attention lately as their numbers steadily decline in the Wild. Only about 10,000 to 20,000 red pandas are estimated to be left in their natural habitats today, making them critically endangered species. This month, let’s take some time to learn about these amazing creatures and explore ways we can help protect them from extinction.
What Is A Red Panda?
A red panda is a mammal native to temperate and high-altitude forests in Western China and Eastern Nepal mountains. They have reddish-brown fur, black markings on their faces and legs, and a long striped tail. While they resemble raccoons, they’re more closely related to bears and weasels!
Why Are Red Pandas Endangered?
Today’s main threats to red pandas include habitat destruction due to deforestation, agriculture expansion, human encroachment into their habitats, climate change, and poaching for their fur. As humans encroach on their natural environment with cities, roads, and farms, this has resulted in habitat destruction, further fragmenting red pandas’ populations. Additionally, illegal poaching for pelts has become an increasing threat in some areas where red pandas live.
How Can We Help Save Red Pandas?
There are many ways you can help save red pandas from extinction – whether it be through volunteering or advocacy work or even by simply being aware of the issues:
- Donate money or time towards organizations that focus on protecting endangered species, like WWF or PAN Foundation
- Organize initiatives within your community, such as beach cleanups or fundraisers for wildlife conservation efforts
- Reduce your carbon footprint by using less plastic and other disposable items
- Raise awareness about these issues by talking to family members and friends about how they can help too!
Conclusion
We can make a difference in saving endangered species like red pandas by taking small steps together. By being mindful of our impact on the planet and supporting conservation efforts, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy seeing these beautiful animals in person!
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