We were thrilled to see the pandas, and the baby pandas, at the Chengdu Panda Base (see the last post here). What we didn’t know was that the Chengdu panda base also had a quite sizable population of red pandas. The red pandas have the run of a large portion of the center, and by “have the run of”, I truly mean that. You actually enter into their enclosure (which is definitely acres, not feet), and then they stroll among you. Obviously, no touching the red pandas. They don’t bother you, you don’t bother them.
Red pandas, like the giant panda, are also endangered primarily due to habitat loss and poaching (red panda hats are also big in parts of China). They also eat a lot of bamboo. But that is where the similarities between the two end, despite the shared name. The red panda is actually in the genus Ailurus, and is the only living species in the Ailuridae family. At one point they were thought to be related to the raccoon, though more recent genetic analyses disproved this link. Their distribution includes not only China, but also parts of India, Bhutan (remember the Red Panda beer?!), and maybe Myanmar. These areas all have temperate forests; the red pandas also prefer high altitudes. But sightings in the wild are incredibly rare.
Red pandas are pretty solitary in nature, and while friendly to other species, they are not friendly to each other–at all. While the red pandas at the base had more than enough space to roam, they do congregate during feeding times and occasionally get into a pretty good tussle. It’s not unusual to see a missing ear like that first picture or a tail that has obviously been bitten by another red panda. Some of these red pandas were rescued from the wild with serious injuries (near the other panda bases), but all seemed at home and enjoying the comforts of at least twice daily feedings of squash, lots of bamboo, and plenty of room to roam. Plus medical attention when required. Additional research and limited breeding activities of the red panda also occur.
I loved the giant pandas, but those red pandas just get me every time. I had wished so badly that we had seen one in Bhutan, so was thrilled when I got to see some up close at the Chengdu Panda Base. They are such cute little creatures and are so fascinating.
In addition to red pandas, the panda base is an menagerie of other animals including peacocks and black swans (beautiful, no doubt, and imported at I think a large expense from Australia…). Peacocks, no matter how many times you see them, always hold some mystique no doubt. Those feathers.
While we didn’t eat at the Chengdu Panda Base, there is a large cafe if you want to stop for lunch. The base is a must see if you are in Chengdu, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back and watch the pandas for another few hours. I also think that the Chinese have done pretty amazing research, contributing to the removal of the panda from the endangered species list this year. While there is much work to be done to protect both the giant panda and the red panda in the wild, much has been accomplished and learned about both species.
Great post. I had no idea that red pandas existed. They are so cute and certainly have similarities to raccoons. Glad they are off the endangered list. Thanks for sharing your red panda adventures.
They are such characters! Very adorable. Hope you are having a good 2017 Brian!