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Red Panda Paradise: Roger Williams Park Zoo Unveils Cutting-Edge Habitat

(Updated June 17)

new red panda habitat building with double windows and large red panda signage

Providence, RI (March 2024) Roger Williams Park Zoo announces the opening of a newly built, cutting-edge habitat designed specifically for its red pandas, Kendji and Zan. This meticulously crafted sanctuary prioritizes optimal animal welfare and comfort while offering enriching experiences for visitors of all ages.

Kendji and Zan’s new home boasts a spacious two-story, climate-controlled indoor space designed to mimic their natural Himalayan habitat. This ensures their well-being,

regardless of fluctuating Rhode Island temperatures and humidity. Strategically placed viewing windows offer guests clear views of the red pandas’ playful antics, offering a balance between animal comfort and visitor engagement. A remote camera system ensures the red pandas’ safety and well-being even when out of sight.

The outdoor habitat, also spanning two stories, features an enriching landscape with climbing structures and multiple viewing angles, allowing visitors to observe the red pandas from various perspectives.

More than just a visually stunning environment, the new habitat focuses on enriching the pandas’ lives in numerous ways:

  • Enhanced Space and Stimulation: Both indoor and outdoor areas provide ample space for exploration, exercise, and engaging in natural behaviors.
  • Private Retreats: Comfortable off-exhibit “bedrooms” equipped with nestboxes offer tranquil hideaways for relaxation and undisturbed sleep.
  • Improved Keeper Facilities: Upgraded workspace and kitchen areas significantly enhance animal care and management efficiency.
  • Future Adaptability: The flexible design allows for potential expansion to accommodate additional red pandas in the future.

“We’re incredibly proud of this new habitat; it’s like a luxury condominium for two of our fan- favorite residents,” said Stacey Johnson, Roger Williams Park Zoo executive director. “It represents our unwavering commitment to animal welfare and creating enriching environments for our residents and guests.”

The red panda habitat is now open to the public during regular zoo hours. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with these captivating creatures and learn more about their crucial conservation needs.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

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