Smithsonian’s National Zoo Asks For Help Naming Baby Red Panda
Andrea Powell
Red pandas have long bushy tails, slightly larger than a domestic cat, spend most of their time up in trees, and are endangered.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is helping preserve the adorable red pandas and shared in June a female cub was born to resident pandas, Keahi and Rocket.
The precious cub grows each day and her "bold and feisty" personality is really starting to shine. Her caretakers are ready to pick out a name for her and have narrowed it down to three.
They are now asking the public to vote for their favorite. However, I think there is already a clear winner...
The options are:
1. Dolly - inspired by country music legend, Dolly Parton
2. Pyra - meaning "heat" in Greek
3. Dolpa - a region of Nepal that is home to wild red pandas and where the AZA's SAFE Red Panda program is actively working to conserve these amazing animals.
You can vote for Dolly, I mean your favorite, here. Voting closes on October 17. Follow the zoo on Facebook to see the winning name and to watch her continue to grow.
Red Panda Facts
- Red pandas live mostly in the Eastern Himalayas. However, the clearing of trees including bamboo is causing a decline in population.
- They eat mostly leaves and bamboo, so the clearing of these trees also reduces their food source.
- Since they spend most of their time in trees they are equipped with semi-retractable claws to move easily from branch to branch.
- Their long bushy tails keep them warm in the winter and help with balance while navigating tree branches.
- Resemble a fox in appearance but are not related.
-
They live a solitary life, rarely found living in groups.
- Wild population of red pandas has declined roughly 40% to 50% over the last few decades.
- They have thumbs to hold bamboo and paintbrushes - check it out below.
