Red Panda

Distribution:

Eastern Himalayas and Southwestern China

Habitat:

Mountain forests.

Diet:

Bamboo leaves, roots, fruits, insects and grubs, birds, eggs and small mammals.

Gestation:

135 days, one - four cubs born

Longevity:

8 - 10 years in the wild, 10 - 13 years in captivity.

Predators:

Humans, snow leopard

Conservation Status:

Endangered

General:

Red pandas are approximately the size of a large housecat and have cat-like faces. Their rusty-colored fur is thick and covers their body except for their ears (almost white), cheeks, muzzle, and the spots above their eyes. Their dense fur keeps them warm during winter.

Red pandas are generally quiet except for some twittering, tweeting, and whistling communication sounds.

Red pandas are solitary, only coming together at the beginning of the breeding season. Young are born fulled furred and blind, weaning at 6-8 months, they generally stay with their mother until the following breeding season. As territorial animals they mark boundaries with scent, using urine and substances secreted from their footpads.

Fun fact: Red pandas are not actually related to pandas! Their closest relative is actually a raccoon, and they're associated with the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, otters and wolverines.

At Hamilton Zoo:

Jamuna normally resides near the meerkat enclosure and entrance to the Weka Walk, her habitat is currently undergoing refurbishments and she is located in the Rainforest area besides the ruffed lemurs in the meanwhile.

Females:
Jamuna - 22/01/15

Jamuna is one of eight cubs born at Hamilton Zoo to parents Tayla and Chito, who passed away in late 2020.

Mammals