Red Pandas

The Red (or Lesser) Panda is the less well known cousin of the Giant Panda.  It has a similar diet of bamboos, buds, leaves and herbs.  The teeth and the occasional taking of nestling birds are an indication that pandas have carnivorous ancestors.  They  live in the forested foothills of the Himalayas of India, Nepal and parts of China. Pandas are able to hold quite small items in their 'hands'.  A specialised bone and an associated paw pad are used like a thumb. Adults are confident climbers and reluctant jumpers and therefore can be kept in low walled enclosures.

The long thickly furred tail acts as a counter balance when climbing and as a 'wrap-around muff' whilst sleeping aloft in the trees.

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Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Filby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 3DR Tel: +44 (0)1493 369477 Fax: +44 (0)1493 368256