Red panda
Ailurus fulgens fulgens
At the Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo is currently home to two red pandas. Male Ravi and female Ginger live in the Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest. The habitat features more than 14,000 square feet of naturalistic space with a flowing stream and waterfall, an arboreal pathway through the habitat, misting areas, land for exploration and a variety of nesting places. A canopy walkway extends 80 feet through the trees in the habitat and provides unparalleled views of these arboreal animals for adventurous guests.
Description
As their name suggests, red pandas’ fur is mostly rusty-red color. They have white markings on their ears, cheeks, muzzles and above their eyes. Their bushy tails are ringed with light and dark variations of the rusty-red color. Their fur also covers the soles of their feet to help give them traction and prevent them from falling off slippery, wet branches.
Fun Facts
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Red pandas have extended wrist bones that act like thumbs and allow them to easily hold onto bamboo.
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In the past, red pandas have been classified as a relative to the raccoon and the giant panda. Now, they are listed as their own scientific family – the Ailuridae.