Utica Zoo welcomes a new furry friend: Khairo the red panda

The Utica Zoo recently welcomed a furry friend to the Red Panda exhibit.

Khairo, a 7-year-old male from the Red River Zoo, arrived as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation for breeding.

Director of Communications and Engagement Allison Snyder noted that Red Pandas breed once a year in early winter.

“We received Khairo on a breeding recommendation, so we hope to welcome cubs in the near future,” said Snyder. “Red Panda's have a short breeding period that typically takes place in January or February.”

After a routine quarantine, the staff introduced Khairo to his female counterpart, Mei Lin, this past weekend. The two can now be found on exhibit in the Forever Forest area of the Utica Zoo while the team continues to raise funds for their new habitat.

Exhibit transition

The Red Panda collection– one of Utica Zoo’s most popular exhibits– is undergoing a transition.

Khairo's abode will eventually move to the Asian Realm; a four-season, multi-zero climate controlled habitat with new viewing angles for visitors. The area will include water features, trees and specially designed structures that mimic the species native Himalayan environment.

“We are so excited to welcome Khairo and to be able to continue to contribute to the conservation of Red Pandas,” said Andria Heath, Utica Zoo Executive Director. “As a not-for-profit organization accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a huge part of our mission is to provide education and knowledge about the threats that many of the species at the Utica Zoo face.

Endangered red pandas

Red Pandas are currently classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, with population numbers currently unknown due to severe fracturing of their natural habitats.

The San Diego Zoo estimates there may be as few as 2,500 left in the world.

“We look to the generosity of our community to help us continue our mission and be able to provide the gold-standard of care for the over 200 animals here at the Zoo,” said Heath. “Being part of the Species Survival Plan is crucial to preventing this species from becoming extinct.”

Red pandas can typically be found in the mixed deciduous-conifer forests of the Himalayas and the major mountain ranges of southwestern China. The loss of nesting trees and bamboo is causing a decline in red panda populations across much of their range because their natural forest home is being cleared.

The species is increasingly under threat from hydro-electric projects, large transmission lines, road construction, agricultural encroachment and mining, according to the Red Panda Network. Many countries have already taken steps to protect them with strict environmental laws.

“We help keep the species alive through breeding programs and through education programs,” explained Snyder. “It’s important for visitors to understand what they can do to help protect the species moving forward.”

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Red panda Khairo makes new home at Utica Zoo