
red panda
Ailurus fulgens fulgens
The red panda feeds mainly on bamboo and other plants. An extended wrist bone, which functions like a real thumb, forms a sixth finger. This allows the animal to easily strip leaves from bamboo and better grasp fruits.
To drink, the red panda dips its paw into a puddle or stream and then licks the water off its paw. It grooms its fur like a cat. With the licked, moist paws he "washes" his fur. The rearing of the young is also peculiar. The red panda builds a nest like a bird. After birth, the young remain in it for up to three months.
Related to | Carnivores, "dog-like" carnivorans, red panda (2 subspecies) |
Habitat | Evergreen forests with bamboo and rhododendron up to the tree line at 4000 meters above sea level |
Mode of life | Crepuscular and nocturnal, foraging in trees, rarely on the ground |
Social structure | Solitary, rarely in pairs or small groups |
Diet | Bamboo, acorns, berries, eggs, small birds |
Weight | Females up to 4.5 kg, males up to 6 kg, newborns 110 to 130 g |
Head-torso length | 60 cm |
Shoulder height | 28 cm |
Tail length | 55 cm |
Gestation time | 112 - 158 days |
Litter size | 1 to 2 young, rarely up to 4 young, altriciality |
Age of sexual maturity | After 18 months |
Life expectancy | Up to 15 years |
Utilization | Fur for caps (China) |
Population trend | Less than 10'000 animals, divided into two subspecies |
At Zurich Zoo since | 1954, internationally coordinated breeding (EEP) |
Distribution

Sponsors
M. Trachsler, Zürich | |
M. Hersperger, Maur | |
Gefahrgut-Shop GmbH, Glattbrugg | |
A. Böni, Zürich | |
D. Gygax, Oetwil an der Limmat | |
H. Frick, Zürich | |
Familie Gähwiler, Zollikerberg | |
M. Müller-Roche, Zürich | |
B. Landolt, Volketswil | |
K. Baltisberger, Zürich | |
A. + J. Schumm, Chur | |
G.-P. Bel, Obfelden | |
B. + P. Nanz, Hinwil | |
J. Jenny-Halter + F. Jenny, Zürich | |
Familie D. +. H. + F. Engel, Dietlikon | |
E. + U. Bosshard, Zürich | |
E. Fechter, Winterthur | |
S. Amacker, Niederglatt | |
P. Gysi, Zürich | |
G. Krek, Zürich | |
A. Flier + T. Grothe, Affoltern am Albis | |
M. Bonga + H. Pritzkow, Dietlikon | |
H. Peyer, Kloten | |
Wichser Akustik & Bauphysik AG, Zürich | |
L. Schumacher, Winterthur | |
in memoriam Margrith Brändli | |
R. Stöcklin, Dietikon | |
S. Peyer, Zürich | |
A. + M. Pauli, Oberhasli | |
R. Hänggi, Rafz | |
D. Bachert, Zürich | |
A. Aeschlimann + M. Studer, Dornach | |
Pfizer AG, Zürich | |
H.-U. Reusser, Dielsdorf | |
S. Keller, Birmensdorf | |
P. Maier, Basel | |
M. Fritschi, Winterthur | |
SCOR SERVICES SWITZERLAND AG, Zürich | |
P. Maier, Basel | |
Familie Guntli, Zürich | |
Gemeinde Geroldswil | |
G. Lüthi, Merenschwand | |
D. Hanselmann, Affoltern am Albis |