Celebrating International Red Panda Day
September 20th is International Red Panda Day — a day to celebrate one of nature’s most endearing animals, and to reflect on the urgent need to protect species teetering on the edge of extinction.
Your Toronto Zoo has been home to red pandas since 1974 and our expertise in reproductive science and veterinary care makes us an important part of their sustainability story.
A Species in Peril
Red pandas are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): since 2000, their wild populations have declined by more than 50%. At the root of this decline is human interference and conflict. In fact, 57% of red panda deaths can be directly linked to human-related causes such as deforestation, hunting, and poaching. Today, it’s estimated that fewer than 10,000 red pandas remain in the wild.
How Your Toronto Zoo Is Making a Difference
That’s why the work happening right here at your Toronto Zoo is so critical. As an AZA-accredited zoo, your Toronto Zoo participates in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan ® (SSP), a collaborative program focused on ensuring the survival of at-risk animals through science-driven breeding, genetic diversity, and long-term population sustainability. We are also proud members of the AZA SAFE Red Panda – a consortium of zoos working together to improve the survival of red pandas in the wild.
Thanks to the SSP, your Toronto Zoo has celebrated several red panda births over the years. However, red panda cub survival remains one of the greatest challenges in conservation. Recent research shows that only about 40% of cubs survive to their first birthday — both in the wild and under human care.
That’s why we’re especially grateful to have celebrated a milestone this summer: our youngest red panda, Poppy, turned one year old and continues to thrive. Her story is a testament to the tireless work of our team, and the power of community support.
A Bold New Chapter: Expanding the Red Panda Habitat
On this International Red Panda Day, we’re excited to share something special: a new red panda habitat is coming to your Toronto Zoo as part of our long-term redevelopment plan!
This state-of-the-art habitat will reinforce our commitment to being a world-class centre of excellence in animal wellbeing and conservation.
Here’s a glimpse of what the new building will feature:
- Temperature-controlled day rooms: state-of-the-art, climate-controlled spaces designed to keep the red pandas comfortable year-round.
- Enhanced climbing structures: upgraded climbing structures and enrichment natural elements such as trees in their outdoor habitats to encourage natural behaviours and physical activity.
- Unobstructed public year-round viewing: clear, expansive views from public areas, offering an engaging and immersive visitor experience while observing red pandas in all seasons.
- On-site bamboo storage and food prep station: red pandas eat a lot of bamboo, and a new bamboo cooler and purpose-built area for preparing nutritious meals will ensure their nutritional needs are met.
- Enhanced behind-the-scenes spaces: comfortable, safe, and private dens are designed to support red pandas throughout their life cycle – from the birth and nurturing of red panda cubs to their golden years. This full-life planning approach is part of our ongoing involvement in the Species Survival Plan to help ensure the conservation and sustainability of red panda populations.
A new Era for your Toronto Zoo
This habitat isn’t just a new space — it’s a testament to our commitment. A commitment to the species we work hard to protect, to the people who support us, and to the natural world we all share.
This project is part of the new Guardians of Wild Strategic Plan, anchored in our bold new mission: Connecting people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.
Your Toronto Zoo, is more than just a zoo. It’s a gateway to wild spaces, to shared stories, and to a deeper sense of purpose. Shifting from place to purpose — and reconnecting people to the land, to wildlife, and to one another.
Join Us
We invite you to come and join us on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at your Toronto Zoo for a day of learning and exploring. Come visit our current red panda habitat with Poppy and Kalden and see for yourself why this new habitat is so important — and how your support can make it a reality.
Every brick, every branch, every gift brings us one step closer to a brighter future for red pandas.
Together, we can inspire awareness, action, and lasting change — not just for red pandas, but for all species who depend on us to speak up and step in.
Happy International Red Panda Day — and thank you for being part of our community.