Gizmo (red panda)
- This article is about the red panda, for the other uses, see Gizmo (disambiguation).
Gizmo (born c. 2018) is a male red panda (Ailurus fulgens) exhibited in the Predator Building at the Birmingham Zoo.
Red pandas, an ancient species (or "living fossil") native to the Eastern Himalayas, were once classified as either raccoons or bears, but are now considered a distinct family of mammals, which share a common ancestor with the giant panda. The 20-25" long reddish-colored mammals have short legs and long, bushy ringed tails. They feed mostly on bamboo, but also eat eggs, insects, birds and small mammals. Due primarily to habitat loss, they are considered a vulnerable species in the wild.
As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, Gizmo was transferred from the Sacramento Zoo to Birmingham on December 2, 2020. On the following day zoo's surviving 10-year-old female, Sorrel, died.
Gizmo was introduced to another female, Kodo, in July 2022. She bore two cubs on May 31, 2023.
References
- "Red panda" (June 19, 2013) Wikipedia - accessed June 24, 2013
- Roop, Lee (May 15, 2021) "Birmingham Zoo ‘thrilled’ to welcome new red panda ‘Gizmo’ and baby howler monkey." The Birmingham News
- Byington, Pat (July 2, 2023) "Birmingham Zoo welcomes 2 baby red pandas." Bham Now