NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Move over, North American prairie dogs, “red panda-monium” is here to stay.
In 2024, Lehigh Valley Zoo will welcome red pandas with a reimagined space that once housed the North American prairie dogs. They’ll be working alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and its species survival plan to pick the red pandas for placement.
According to a news release, the zoo is focusing on introducing species native to Asia as part of its master plan.
“As we build this exhibit, we are looking towards the future,” said zoo President and CEO Amanda Shurr in a statement.
“As part of Lehigh Valley Zoo’s master plan, we will be introducing species native to Asia to the zoo. Red pandas are the first species that we plan to welcome from this region, and we are excited to continue to bring in new and different species, ones that have not yet been a part of our zoo family.”Amanda Shurr, President and CEO of Lehigh Valley Zoo
“As part of Lehigh Valley Zoo’s master plan, we will be introducing species native to Asia to the zoo. Red pandas are the first species that we plan to welcome from this region, and we are excited to continue to bring in new and different species, ones that have not yet been a part of our zoo family.”
According to the Worldwide Wildlife Federation (WWF) UK, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas — often considered the real panda. Phylogenetically, the red panda falls under a unique taxonomic group called Ailuridae, sharing common traits with mustelids, which includes raccoons, weasels and skunks.
There are less than 10,000 of them in the wild and they are considered to be endangered, according to WWF UK. Deforestation, accidental trapping, illegal pet trade and poaching are listed as the main reasons that red pandas are endangered.