The Red Pandas are Back at Roger Williams Park Zoo
The beloved zoo residents' brand new, state-of-the-art facility was unveiled Friday.
Courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo
Photo by Kaitlyn Murray
If you’ve taken a trip to Roger Williams Park Zoo in recent months, you most likely noticed (and were dismayed by, if you’re me) the absence of two of their most popular residents: Kendji and Zan. The much beloved red pandas were on a little hiatus from public view while their space was being reimagined, but as of Friday they are back and all moved in to a cutting-edge habitat meticulously crafted to suit their needs. Providence Mayor Smiley was on site to conduct the official bamboo cutting and welcome Kendji and Zan to their new digs.
Courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo
Designed to mimic red panda’s natural Himalayan habitat, the new space boasts a two-story, climate-controlled building that ensures the two are always comfortable in spite of Rhode Island’s fluctuating temperatures. Strategically windows allow visitors to peek down into the spacious, jungle-gym like faciltiy and witness any playful antics that may occur. The surrounding outdoor area also spans two stories and features features an enriching landscape with climbing structures and multiple viewing angles for visitors to enjoy. Furthermore, the new space has comfortable off-exhibit “bedrooms” equipped with nestboxes for the red pandas to get some more private R&R when they need, as well as improved attached keeper workspace and kitchen ares that allow for more efficient and enhanced care. Best of all, the new design is flexible and makes room for a potential expansion to accommodate even more red pandas down the line.
“We’re incredibly proud of this new habitat; it’s like a luxury condominium for two of our fan- favorite residents,” says Roger Williams Park Zoo executive director Stacey Johnson. “It represents our unwavering commitment to animal welfare and creating enriching environments for our residents and guests.”
Want to see how Kendji and Zan are settling in? The red panda habitat is now open to the public during regular zoo hours — learn more at rwpzoo.org.
Courtesy of Roger Williams Park Zoo
