Red Panda
Ailurus fulgens fulgens
Here at Banham Zoo
Say hello to Jasper and Lushan, our resident red pandas! Jasper, a 12-year-old male, has been part of Banham Zoo since 2015 and has fathered three cubs through the European Breeding Programme.
Lushan, or Lu, our female, joined us in May 2024 from West Midlands Safari Park. Native to the mountain forests of southern Asia, red pandas are mostly nocturnal, spending their days curled up in trees. Though classified as carnivores, their diet is mainly bamboo!
Where Do I Live?
Southern Asia
Red pandas inhabit mountain forests and bamboo thickets in southern Asia. They are mainly nocturnal (active at night), often spending the day sleeping high in the trees.
What Do I Eat?
Red pandas are part of the carnivore (meat eater) family, however they are mainly herbivores (plant eaters) eating vegetation, in particular, bamboo.
How Do I Breed?
A litter of cubs are born after a pregnancy of just over four months. The female cares for her young until they are around a year old.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Endangered (EN)
High risk of extinction in the wild.
Red panda populations are believed to have decreased by 50% in less than 20 years! Habitat loss and degradation as well as hunting for meat and fur are their biggest threats.
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Red Panda
located?
Our
Red Panda
is located in our
Woodland Zone
, map reference
1
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
