Red Pandas Can Be Seen at These U.S. Zoos

Photo by Jessica Weiller on Unsplash

Have you ever seen a red panda before? This animal, based on my scientific judgments to be one of the cutest ones in the world, is a rare sight both in nature and the wild. Its Himalayan natural habitat in Asia is hard to access, but fortunately for us, there are a handful of American zoos that are known for their red pandas. Check out these three zoos in the United States where you can see this animal in the flesh.

Zoo Knoxville (Knoxville, Tennessee)

While it might seem surprising, Zoo Knoxville in the small southern city of Knoxville, Tennessee is arguably the best place in the world to see red pandas. This zoo, which has a highly successful red panda breeding program, currently also features four cute cubs on display.

Smithsonian National Zoo (Washington, DC)

This Washington, DC zoo, which features free admission, is also a great place in the United States to see the red panda. A female named Asa lives in the Asia Trail habitat and can often be seen playing and eating bamboo shoots.

Prospect Park Zoo (Brooklyn, NY)

In fall 2019, the Prospect Park Zoo was fortunate enough to see their red panda, Willow, give birth to a couple of male red pandas which are now a favorite at this Brooklyn establishment. These three are playful and energetic, unless it’s cold outside, seeing them revert to semi-hibernation!