Zoo Atlanta Welcomes Two Female Red Pandas
Zoo Atlanta welcomed two female red pandas, Ruby and Rose, to the animal population on February 23, 2023. The two-year-old sisters arrived from Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee, and will complete a routine quarantine period before being visible to Members and guests in coming weeks. The move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan® (SSP). As part of the SSP recommendation, Jackie, the 5-year-old male red panda who had lived at Zoo Atlanta since 2020, has moved to Zoo Knoxville.
Red pandas are a separate species from giant pandas, with which they share a distant common ancestor but to which they are not closely related. Red pandas are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In addition to their greatest challenge of habitat loss, red pandas are threatened by poaching for their pelts and capture for the illegal pet trade. Zoo Atlanta currently supports red panda conservation through its Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund.
Learn more or plan a visit at zooatlanta.org, and stay tuned for details on when Members and guests will be able to see Ruby and Rose.
Zoo Atlanta Welcomes Ruby and Rose the Red Pandas
Zoo Atlanta is excited to announce the arrival of two new red pandas, Ruby and Rose. These two sisters are the first of their species to ever live in the Atlanta area, and Zoo Atlanta is proud to give them a home!
Red pandas are a species of small, arboreal mammals that are native to the Himalayan region of Asia. They have a thick, reddish-brown coat and a long, bushy tail. They are also known for their playful, mischievous behavior. Red pandas are an endangered species, and Zoo Atlanta is committed to helping to protect and conserve them.
Ruby and Rose were born in July 2020 at the Nashville Zoo. They have been living at Zoo Atlanta since October 2020 and have been settling in well. They are both very active and love exploring their new habitat. They can often be seen playing and climbing in the trees, and they have been known to take naps in the sun.
Ruby and Rose are part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for red pandas, which is a collaborative effort between zoos to ensure the survival of the species. Zoo Atlanta is also working with the Red Panda Network to help conserve red pandas in the wild. As part of this effort, Zoo Atlanta will be providing support for conservation projects in the Himalayan region.
Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to have Ruby and Rose as part of our family and looks forward to welcoming visitors to come and meet them. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you visit!
About Red Pandas
Red pandas are a species of small, arboreal mammals that are native to the Himalayan region of Asia. They have a thick, reddish-brown coat and a long, bushy tail. They are also known for their playful, mischievous behavior. Red pandas are an endangered species, and Zoo Atlanta is committed to helping to protect and conserve them.
Ruby and Rose’s Habitat
Ruby and Rose have their own habitat at Zoo Atlanta, which was designed to provide them with plenty of space to explore and play. It includes trees, logs, rocks, and a pool, as well as plenty of places to hide and nap. The habitat also includes a special area for them to hibernate during the winter months.
Conservation Efforts
Zoo Atlanta is working with the Red Panda Network to help conserve red pandas in the wild. As part of this effort, Zoo Atlanta will be providing support for conservation projects in the Himalayan region. This includes providing funding for research, habitat protection, and education programs.
Visit Ruby and Rose
Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to have Ruby and Rose as part of our family and looks forward to welcoming visitors to come and meet them. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you visit!
