10 Facts About the Red Panda

Which of our furry mammals eats bamboo leaves, grows to be about 60cm and detects different scents using their tongue? You guessed it, the Red Panda!

Unique-looking as they may be, the Red Panda’s family tree is even more extraordinary. While there has historically been a classification dispute that they should belong in the Raccoon family (Procyonidae), these bushy-tailed animals are actually the sole members of their own distinct family called Ailuridae.

Despite the rumours, Red Pandas are very much Pandas, being named almost 50 years before Giant Pandas were described by science. “Panda”is derived from the Nepali word “ponya” meaning “bamboo eater”, so when the black-and-white newcomers turned up with the same appetite the name stuck to them too (even though Giant Pandas are actually a type of bear). Both species also share a clever bit of kit: a “false thumb”, an extended wrist bone for clasping bamboo stems while they munch. Different families, same dinner, same party trick.

Now before we reveal any more plot twists, let’s get more acquainted with these fuzzy-wuzzy, roly-poly, round-eyed companions by learning ten interesting facts.

1. Where do Red Pandas Live?

For decades, Zoos and Sanctuarys all around the world have been caring for Red Pandas and preserving their heritage. However, in the wild, Red Pandas are found in high altitude forest habitats such as the Eastern Himalayas, Southwestern China and Northern Myanmar.

2. How Long is a Red Panda Tail?

While an adult Red Panda grows to be around 60 centimetres in length, their tail can grow to around 50 centimetres. This makes curling up at night with a warm, furry blanket very convenient!

3. How long do Red Pandas Live for?

The lifespan of a Red Panda is on average ten years. Approximately eight years when in the wild and up to fourteen years when being looked after in an established conservation facility such as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

4. What do Red Pandas Eat?

Forget fish or chicken. Our Red Pandas stick to an omnivore orientated meal plan. They love to eat bamboo, fruit, roots, eggs and small insects.

5. Loves a Sleep In

If you think sleeping in until noon on a Sunday would be considered a decent lay in, then think again. Red Panda cubs don’t open their eyes until eighteen days after they are born. Let’s hope their hard working mums get some decent RnR after their cubs rise and shine. 

6. How much do Red Pandas Weigh?

Adult Red Pandas usually weigh anything between 3 and 8 kilograms. Females are slightly smaller than their male friends.

7. The Red Pandas Superpower is Smell

Red Pandas recognise each other by using their sense of smell. Imagine answering the door and determining who the person was by giving them a quick sniff. 

8. Red Panda’s have a Sweet Tooth!

Red Pandas love their sweets.  In a study carried out by The Journal of Heredity, Red Pandas were given three different types of water. Regular water, naturally sweetened water and artificially sweetened water. Turns out, Red Pandas were a fan of artificial water most of all – the water containing aspartame and sucralose. 

9. An Internet Browser is named after the Red Panda

The Red Panda sparked the rebrand of internet browser, “Mozilla”.  After an unsuccessful attempt for the take-over of another name, the company settled on “Firefox” which is an alternative name for “Red Panda”. The Mozilla Firefox team wanted a logo that symbolized speed, agility, and a connection to the natural world.

10. Endangered Species

Sadly, Red pandas are currently listed as an endangered species and are facing extinction. Their numbers are decreasing in the wild due to fragmented habitat and poaching.  If agricultural pursuits such as logging continue to increase, so too does the probability of Red Panda extinction. According to WWF – Almost 50% of the Red Panda’s habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas. The loss of nesting trees and bamboo is causing a decline in Red Panda populations across much of their range because their forest home is being cleared.

Meet a Red Panda

You can meet Red Pandas Zeya and Shardul in the Lost Valley at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. (Map ref V16)