What’s better than some new tunnels to explore? An entire Moreton Bay Fig to call home!
Adelaide Zoo’s female Red Panda, Mishry, had her habitat extended into the giant Moreton Bay Fig last week and set out discovering her new space.
The habitat is connected to her old area by climbing tunnels, similar to those on the Adelaide Zoo central lawn for the Black-and-white Colobus and Golden Lion Tamarins, which were opened in December.
Mishry has loved climbing through the tunnels, nestling herself in the bamboo and walking over the heads of delighted visitors.
Senior Keeper of Carnivores, Arliah Hayward, said Mishry is doing really well and is confident climbing and exploring the enormous tree.
“She’s getting up high but she’s very sure-footed and she’s testing out branches before fully committing,” she said.
“Mishry comes back to her habitat on her own accord as that’s where she gets fed, although she is trying out the unripe figs from the tree.
“The addition of the tunnel and access to the tree offers great enrichment for Mishry.
“She is getting great exercise, sunshine in the afternoons as well as a whole new vantage of the zoo where can see the Black-and-white Colobus and the Small Clawed Otters.
“Visitors are loving watching her in the tree and are stopping for a long time to watch her explore. It is also a photographers dream! We’ve had lots of people taking fantastic shots of her exploring.”
Three-year-old Mishry arrived at Adelaide Zoo from Taronga in May 2021.
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.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 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.
To support these gorgeous furry friends and join our of efforts to ensure the species stay a leap ahead of extinction, you can get up close during a Panda and Friends Experience or adopt a Red Panda at Adelaide Zoo.
For more information about Zoos SA’s conservation work or to book your ticket to visit Mishry at Adelaide Zoo, please visit www.adelaidezoo.com.au.
