SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 6, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The week after announcing the departure of Himalayan red panda MowMow, bound for another facility, Hogle Zoo is sharing news of the arrival of Chinese red panda William.

William comes to Utah from the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, in Nebraska, home to about 400 animals. Hogle Zoo has about 800 or more.

“Described as cautiously curious, William has been eager to explore his new habitat in Asian Highlands,” says a news release issued by Hogle Zoo.

“William’s care team has shared that he enjoys training and learning new behaviors and especially loves fruit and bamboo.”

“William’s arrival comes after former Himalayan red panda, MowMow, departed Hogle Zoo on a breeding recommendation from the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP). Through Hogle Zoo’s partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Red Panda SSP, it has transferred from caring for Himalayan red pandas to Chinese red pandas.”

Native to the mountainous forests of China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar, red pandas belong to their own family, Ailuridae. They are divided into two species: Ailurus fulgens fulgens (Himalayan red pandas) and Ailurus fulgens styani (Chinese red pandas).

Threatened by habitat loss, degradation, and poaching, red pandas are an endangered species. In the past two decades, it’s estimated that the overall population of red pandas has declined by 40%.

For information on Hogle Zoo’s features, special events, hours and admission fees, click here.