Let the Play Begin

Red Pandas Get Ready for Courtship

Although the red panda may look like a mixture of a raccoon and a bear, visitors can actually find the mammals in the Kovler Lion House. And while its name might suggest a relationship with the black-and-white giant panda, the species has been placed in its own unique family.

Red pandas have become endangered in their native homes of China, Nepal, India, Burma and Bhutan due to poaching and loss of bamboo and evergreen forest habitats. However red pandas at the zoo still enjoy plenty of bamboo eating and tree climbing since Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Red Panda Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Visitors who want to catch a glimpse of these cute creatures will most likely have to look up, since they can usually be found climbing the trees of their exhibit. “The red pandas are especially active in the morning, exploring their environment and foraging for bamboo,” explains Mark Kamhout, zoological manager of Regenstein African Journey and carnivores.

Guests can expect to see the male and female, Tarrei and Porrin, chasing and following one another as they get ready for the breeding process recommended by the Species Survival Plan. Since the pair already knew each other before arriving at the zoo in fall 2011, zoo officials have hopes of someday welcoming a baby red panda.

by Cassie Stein

Other Courtship Close-Ups

Opposites Attract: Golden Orb Weaver Spider Courtship Opposites do attract. Female golden orb weaver spiders dwarf their male mates, which are barely larger than mosquitoes. See how they weave their courtship in this exclusive video.

Animal Attractions Breakfast Those who are wild at heart can woo their loved ones at the zoo on Valentine’s Day. Champagne and chocolates will be served as participants get the inside scoop on the risqué side of animal courtship.

Valentine's Day Wish List Brighten up winter with a wild Valentine’s Day gift! Make the day special for Lincoln Park Zoo’s animals with gifts of sweet fruit and crunchy veggies.