Meet the russet Red Pandas!
Adelaide Zoo is home to two Red Pandas, Ravi and Maiya.
Adult male Ravi was born at Adelaide Zoo on 28 January 2015. After spending time at Australia Zoo, he returned to Adelaide Zoo in August 2022. Curious by nature, Ravi can often be seen exploring his leafy habitats.
Female Red Panda Maiya joined Ravi in November 2025, traveling from Perth Zoo. Visitors to Adelaide Zoo may spot her exploring the elevated walkways as she settles into her new home.
Adelaide Zoo is one of the most successful institutions for breeding Red Pandas, having welcomed 46 cubs since 1975. As ambassadors for their species, Ravi and Maiya play an important role in the regional breeding program.
Red Panda conservation
Zoos SA supports Red Pandas in the wild by partnering with the Red Panda Network, a world leader in efforts to save Red Pandas. The Red Panda Network’s holistic approach focuses on protecting native habitat and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the people who live alongside them. Each time you visit Ravi, you’re supporting Zoos SA’s vital conservation work to ensure Red Pandas thrive for generations to come.
Despite their name, Red Pandas are more closely related to racoons than to their black and white counterparts. Native to the eastern Himalayas and south-western China, Red Pandas spend most of their time in trees eating bamboo and a variety of fruits, leaves and eggs.
It is estimated there are fewer than 10,000 Red Pandas left in the wild. The major threats facing the species in the wild are habitat loss and fragmentation and poaching. The ultimate cause of these threats is the high growth rate in human populations within the species’ range and commercial logging, clearing for habitation and farming, as well as grazing of domestic stock. These issues are fundamental threats to the long-term survival of the species.
Love Red Pandas? Join our efforts to ensure Red Pandas stay a leap ahead of extinction! There are many ways you can help support these adorable animals!
