The Secret Is Finally Revealed! The World's Cutest Animal Is ... Toby, The Red Panda 

 

 

 

High resolution JPEG images of Toby are available for download now at ftp://65.38.108.85/ enter ID zooprinters and Password print*12 jobs; click Vendors and go to Directory Q-T for the Toby file.

 

 

(HOUSTON) February 12, 2009 … Houston “gets cute” on March 28, 2009 when The World’s Cutest Animal makes his long awaited debut at the Houston Zoo. He’s Toby, the red panda. Toby’s new indoor home near the Houston Zoo’s award-winning Natural Encounters Building includes natural log climbing features, natural substrate floor, a small pool and a water fall, skylights and air conditioning.

 

Over the years, the red panda has undergone an identity crisis of sorts, existing in the shadow of the better known giant panda. Red pandas are exquisite and fascinating mammals with their own unique set of behaviors and characteristics. Best known for their striking red coats and white to reddish-brown facial mask, red pandas are superb climbers. When not searching for food on the ground, red pandas will spend most of their time in the trees.

 

Red pandas live only in temperate forests in the Himalayan foothills from western Nepal through northern Burma (Myanmar) and in the mountains of southwestern China at altitudes between 5,000 and 13,000 feet. Temperatures remain fairly cool and constant in their native habitat, supporting the mix of forests trees and bamboo on which red pandas depend. Red pandas live solitary lives, only coming together to reproduce during the very brief breeding season.

 

The red panda’s diet is very unusual among mammals. Only the red panda, giant panda, two types of rodents, and one species of lemur from Madagascar can survive on a strict bamboo diet. The red panda’s adaptation to a bamboo diet has helped shape their behavior, spending up to half the day in search of tender new bamboo leaves.

 

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.5 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

 

The Houston Zoo is located at 1513 North MacGregor. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $8 and a child Zoo admission for $5. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org.

 

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

 

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

 

 

Scientific Name

 

Ailurus Fulgens (means “fire-colored cat”)

 

History

 

First written record of red pandas found in 13th century Chinese Chou Dynasty scroll.Described by Western naturalists in 1821, 50 years before the giant panda was named.Although not as well known as giant pandas, red pandas are the “original pandas.”

 

Native Habitat

 

Temperate forests in Himalayan foothills – western Nepal, northern Burma (Myanmar), and the mountains of southwestern China.

 

Predators

 

Snow leopard, clouded leopard, birds of prey (owls, hawks), humans.

 

Diet

 

Mainly the various species of bamboo that grow in their native habitat but red pandas will also eat fruit, roots, blooms, insects and bird eggs. Appearance Red coats and white to reddish-brown facial mask. The coloration helps red panda’s blend in among the lichens and mosses in the forest.

 

Conservation

 

Status Threatened. The red panda’s habitat is being lost to deforestation for timber, fuel, and agricultural needs.

 

 

Approximately 16 pounds                       Friendly and curious