Red pandas are small, tree-dwelling mammals native to the Himalayas and parts of China. In the wild, their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss, deforestation, and poaching. Yet, they thrive in captivity, where sanctuaries and zoos offer safe, natural-like environments with abundant food, climbing trees, and protection from predators. These facilities also play a vital role in breeding programs that help boost their population and ensure the long-term survival of the species. Video

271K views · 17K reactions | ❄️On Jan. 31, Asia Trail keepers sprinkled blueberries around the red panda habitat, and Asa and Chris-Anne had a blast foraging for treats!  Listen closely to hear Asa twitter; red pandas communicate through squeals, hisses, grunts + huff-quacks too! . . . #NatZooZen #SnowDay | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute | Facebook