Male Red Panda Arrives at Oklahoma City Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 16, 2022 12:01 pm

Benjamin the red panda has arrived at the Oklahoma City Zoo where it is hoped he may produce cubs with their resident female

Photo Credit: Oklahoma City Zoo

Oklahoma City Zoo are furthering their support for red panda conservation with the arrival of a male from The Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Six year old male Benjamin will be introduced to female red panda, Khyana, 2 in the zoo’s Sanctuary Asia habitat.

The pair were brought together following a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA)’s Red Panda Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The SSP program was developed in 1981 to ensure zoo populations are genetically diverse and sustainable over the long term.

“Benjamin and Khyana are a great match and our hope is to see our red panda family grow as part of this breeding recommendation,” said Tyler Boyd, curator of carnivores. “The OKC Zoo’s involvement in this SSP plan and bringing this pair together plays a vital role in the conservation of this endangered and beloved species.”

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Keepers report that Benjamin has settled in well to his new habitat. Recently he has begun introductions with Khyana. The pair have begun sharing the habitat They have been eating together and even lying with one another.

Benjamin prefers grapes and apple and is said to be highly inquisitive of any objects placed in his habitat.

Red pandas are native to areas of Asia. They are identified by reddish brown fur which helps to camouflage them in the trees. Their total wild population is estimated at less than 10,000 individuals. This is a 50% decline over the last 20 years.

Learn more about Red Pandas here – Red Panda Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Oklahoma City Zoo on their website – Oklahoma City Zoo