the RED panda

Its not Kung-fu panda, it’s the RED PANDA

The Red Panda, also called the Firefox, Fire Cat, Lesser Panda, or Ailurus fulgens ("shining cat"), is a mostly herbivorous mammal, specialized as a bamboo feeder. It is slightly larger than a domestic cat (40 - 60 cm long, 3 - 6 kg weight). Red Panda is the state animal in the Indian state of Sikkim . It is also the mascot of the Darjeeling international festivals. There is an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.

Thanks to the conversation program in Sikkim & neighboring areas there is a ray of hope, for the cute little panda, The Red Panda. The Red panda is mostly active during the dawn and the dust since it is crepuscular. The Red Panda is specialized as a bamboo feeder with strong, curved and sharp semi-retractile claws standing inward for grasping of narrow tree branches, leaves and fruit. Red Pandas are very skillful and acrobatic animals that live predominantly in trees. They live in territories, frequently alone, and only rarely live in pairs or in groups of families. They are very quiet except for some twittering and whistling communication sounds.

YOU can catch the glimpse of 4 cute red panda in a confined but natural zoo at the Gangtok zoo. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when these cute red pandas come out to bask the sun. You can also see them running around in their small habitat.

Come and get a glimpse of this rare species of panda. Well not the kung-fu panda but the cute little RED panda.