The European Species Conservation Breeding Program, to which the Debrecen zoo joined in 2014, plays an important role in saving the red pandas.
Every year, on the third Saturday in September, International Red Panda Day is held to draw attention to the importance of the protection of this extremely special, yet seriously threatened Asian species. The red panda is endangered because of the rapid shrinkage and fragmentation of its habitat, caused by over-exploitation of forest resources, and illegal trade.
The European Species Conservation Breeding Program (EAZA EEP) plays an important role in rescuing red pandas. Debrecen Zoo joined the initiative in 2014 with the reception of a female twin couple. The zoo has also received Pandita, a young male panda, last June after six years of preparatory work.
This spring, the zoo reported that one of their females was chosen under the Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) to move to the original habitat of the red pandas, Darjeeling Zoo in the southern Himalayas.
On the 18th of September, the International Red Panda Day, visitors will be able to learn more about the species by joining the feeding process at 10 a.m.
Those who want to support the institution’s species conservation work can do so by purchasing a commemorative coin.
