The Santa Barbara Zoo has welcomed Ruby, a female red panda, who arrived from Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Red pandas, like this one with a striped tail, are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. (Courtesy photo)
Red pandas are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. (Courtesy photo)

Ruby has a recommendation to breed with Raj, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s male red panda.

“Ruby is just shy of a year old, so we may not see cubs from Raj and Ruby for a little while, but animal care staff will work on introductions over the next couple of months,” the zoo said.

These intentional pairings are critical to the sustainability of endangered species like red pandas, the zoo said.

Red pandas, native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, are known for their striking reddish-brown fur, bushy tails, and endearing, bear-like faces.

Despite their name, red pandas are not closely related to giant pandas; they are actually more akin to raccoons, according to the zoo.

Red pandas are endangered due to habitat loss, with less than 10,000 estimated left in the wild. They can be found in various regions of China, Nepal, and northern Myanmar.

The name panda is believed to come from the Nepali word “ponya,” meaning “bamboo eater,” and in fact, red pandas were classified and named before giant pandas.

Ruby is sponsored by Premier Foster Feeders Nora McNeely Hurley & Michael Hurley.

The public can also help welcome Ruby to the Zoo by becoming a Foster Feeder. Foster Feeders at all levels will receive a personalized Foster Feeder certificate (includes honoree’s name and animal photo) and recognition on the Foster Feeder board at the Zoo.

Various donation levels are available with different, wild benefits. For more, click here.

For more on the Santa Barbara Zoo, visit sbzoo.org.