Un-bear-ably cute: New red panda arrives at the Oklahoma City Zoo

Sarah Phipps, Oklahoman
·1 min read
6-year-old red panda Benjamin sits in his habitat at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Thursday. He was brought to the zoo and paired with 2-year-old Khyana as part of an effort to boost the population of red pandas.
6-year-old red panda Benjamin sits in his habitat at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens on Thursday. He was brought to the zoo and paired with 2-year-old Khyana as part of an effort to boost the population of red pandas.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has welcomed an endangered male red panda to its environs. Benjamin, 6, arrived at the zoo from New Jersey as part of a breeding recommendation for the Red Panda Species Survival Plan.

Benjamin has been paired with the zoo’s female red panda, Khyana, 2, and the two reside at the red panda habitat at Sanctuary Asia.

“Benjamin and Khyana are a great match and our hope is to see our red panda family grow as part of this breeding recommendation,” said Tyler Boyd, curator of carnivores of the Oklahoma City Zoo.

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Benjamin, at right, sidles up to Khyana in their habitat at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Thursday.
Benjamin, at right, sidles up to Khyana in their habitat at the Oklahoma City Zoo on Thursday.

The global red panda population is estimated at less than 10,000, with a conservation status of endangered. Due to deforestation, poaching and illegal pet trade, the red panda population has declined by 50% in the last 20 years.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Zoo welcomes new red panda Benjamin in hopes to boost survival