GREENVILLE - Visitors to the Greenville Zoo will be able to meet their newest addition this weekend.
A three-year-old male red panda named "Firecracker" will be a companion to a five-year-old female named "Scarlett."
The zoo says there are fewer than 2,500 red pandas in the world and only 51 red pandas in North American Zoos. The pair of red pandas are on a breeding loan by the Species Survival Plan, which helps manage captive populations in North America. The SSP makes breeding recommendations and develops long-term research and management strategies for the species.
“Firecracker makes a great addition to the Zoo, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy and learn more about the species," said Zoo Director Jeff Bullock in a written release.
The Greenville Zoo has a history of successful red panda breeding, including a rare set of triplets born in 2006.
Red pandas are about 42 inches long. Adult red pandas weigh between 12 and 20 pounds and have a long, bushy tail that accounts for two-thirds of their body length.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement