Exciting New Habitat: Minnesota Zoo Welcomes Red Pandas and Friends
In an exhilarating development for animal lovers, the Minnesota Zoo is set to unveil its new Red Panda Forest, bringing back the charming red pandas and creating a vibrant habitat for them along with their new companions.
Located in the beautiful city of Apple Valley, Minnesota, the Red Panda Forest will open just in time for summer, reviving the joy of these remarkable creatures that have been absent since 2021. The zoo's beloved red panda, Min, died at the age of ten, leaving a void that the zoo is eager to fill with Cedar and Spruce, two nine-month-old brothers.
As Kurt Heizmann, Director of Animal Care at the zoo, elaborated, "This project has been in the works for over a year." The zoo's creative team not only focuses on ensuring the pandas comfortable living conditions but retains a strong connection to the biodiversity of their natural habitats, located in the mountainous regions of China and the Himalayas.
The habitat will also feature two additional species: the Western tufted deer named Sir Douglas and the exquisite red-crowned cranes, which are both crucial to the exhibit’s ecological balance. Sir Douglas has quickly made a name for himself, showcasing his curiosity and love for sweet potatoes, while the cranes, a pair of sisters flown in from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, are stunning representatives of their endangered species.
In conjunction with the opening of the Red Panda Forest, the zoo aims to foster a breeding program with the tufted deer, emphasizing its commitment to preserve the biodiversity of these unique species. As Dr. Anne Rivas, Director of Animal Health, mentions, “The cranes are about 5 feet tall, will hunt insects and frogs, and are expected to develop their beautiful red feathers in about two years.”
The design of the habitat, carefully curated by exhibit designer Gina Louise, aims not just for aesthetic appeal but to create an enriching environment for the animals. "You feel like you're really in their setting watching them in the wild," she remarks, ensuring visitors will get an immersive experience that reflects the red pandas’ natural lifestyles.
As anticipation grows for the official opening around Memorial Day, the zoo invites guests to stay tuned for more updates on social media. The return of the red pandas and their new friends symbolizes hope and rejuvenation, particularly after the heart-wrenching loss of Min. It reminds us that conservation efforts are vital and can lead to the joyful return of our favorite animals.
Will you be visiting the new Red Panda Forest? Share your thoughts in the comments below; we’d love to hear what species you are most excited about seeing!
