Every year, on the third Saturday in September, International Red Panda Day is held to draw attention to the plight and importance of the protection of this extremely special, yet seriously threatened Asian species. The rapid shrinkage and fragmentation of the habitat of the red panda, also known as small panda or red cat bear, endemic to the Himalayan temperate forests, is endangered due to over-exploitation of forest resources and illegal trade on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List.
The European Species Conservation Breeding Program (EAZA EEP) plays an important role in rescuing red pandas, joined by the Debrecen Zoo in 2014 with the reception of a female twin couple, who received Pandita, the young male, last June as a result of six years of preparatory work. This spring, the institution was able to report significant professional success as one of their females was selected under the Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) to move to the original habitat of the red pandas, Darjeeling Zoo in the southern Himalayas, which is specifically for native species. specializes in breeding and replanting. The prospective breeding couple who have stayed at home are now well accustomed, so the institution hopes that in the near future they will also contribute to the growth of the European zoo stock for species conservation purposes.
On the International Red Panda Day on September 18, this audience’s favorite bamboo eaters will play the main role: those interested will be able to learn about the species from 10:00 am, and the really lucky ones will be able to meet the institution’s red pandas up close. The little ones will also have a themed face painting, and those who want to support the institution’s species conservation work can directly contribute to the well-being of Maci and Pandita by buying a commemorative coin.
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