Minnesota Zoo’s Newest Habitat Sure to Cause 'Panda-Monium!’

It’s ‘panda’monium at the Minnesota Zoo! Excitement is building as the new Red Panda Forest habitat is set to open to the public on Saturday, May 31. Red Panda Forest at the Minnesota Zoo will bring together three dynamic species in a wooded outdoor habitat on the Northern Trail: Red Pandas, Red-Crowned Crane, and Western Tufted Deer.

These three animals depend on the unique mix of bamboo forests, mountainsides, wetlands, and river valleys. The new habitat located on the Northern Trail is modeled after the Himalayan foothills red pandas call home, giving these charismatic climbers a natural environment to explore. From climbing structures crafted from a repurposed oak tree (which fell on the Zoo campus!) to innovative nesting boxes and specialized feeders constructed of bamboo, the habitat was designed with each species’ well-being in mind — while also prioritizing the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability and our planet.

Red pandas – an endangered species – are skilled climbers in the moss-covered treetops. Did you know, the red panda’s signature ruddy coat color isn’t just cute; it acts as camouflage? It matches the moss on the canopy of the trees where they naturally reside. The two red pandas at the Minnesota Zoo, brothers Cedar and Spruce, were born at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Nebraska along with their sister Juniper in August 2024. Red panda triplets are extremely rare; Cedar, Spruce, and Juniper, represent 25% of all red pandas born in North American zoos last year.

Western Tufted Deer navigate the densely forested slopes. The males are noted for their fang-like canine teeth that they use for defense, dominance battles, and mating displays. The Minnesota Zoo’s Western Tufted Deer, Douglas, moved here from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio. He’s made it clear his favorite food is as sweet as he is: sweet potato. When meeting a new person, he expresses his curiosity with a ‘click’ sound. Western tufted deer can also bark, whistle, and whine.

One of the rarest cranes in the world, the Red-Crowned Cranes soar gracefully high above mountain river valleys and wetlands. There will be two to see in Red Panda Forest, arriving from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. The bonded pair of sisters are nine months old. At two years old, their distinctive red heads and snowy white feathers will develop.

Guests can expect red panda themed activities taking place on the plaza throughout opening weekend of the new exhibit. Once you see Cedar and Spruce in person, you’ll probably feel the urge to bring them home with you! Alas, they need to stay at their Minnesota Zoo abode. But you can purchase cute and cozy toy replicas and other Red Panda merchandise at the Timber Lodge Traders shop within the Zoo’s main building and at retail kiosks located outside throughout the Zoo.

While you’re visiting Red Panda Forest, enjoy some locally-made food and beverage options created exclusively for the Minnesota Zoo including:

• T-Rex Cookie’s Red Panda-Monium – a red velvet, white chocolate chuck cookie with sparkling sugar. 
• Red Panda Punch - a fruit punch from Northern Soda
• RPA: Red Panda Ale - a refreshing blonde ale from South X Southeast Brewery

Help welcome red pandas back to the Minnesota Zoo by sponsoring one! When you sponsor a red panda, you support the animals at the Zoo while forming a deeper connection with wildlife.   Each red panda sponsorship includes four exclusive updates, along with a certificate of sponsorship. Plus, you can customize your package to add on a red panda plush, book, or both! Donate to Red Panda animal sponsorship.

ABOUT THE MINNESOTA ZOO

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination providing a window into the natural world. With hundreds of species of animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and acres of scenic beauty, the Zoo is a resource to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). For more information visit www.mnzoo.org.

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