Utah’s adorable red panda sets off on new cross-country adventure
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — One of Utah’s Hogle Zoo’s cutest residents is setting out on his next grand adventure, taking on the big role of serving as an ambassador for his species.
Dorji, an adorable red panda born and raised in Utah, has left the Wasatch Front for a new residence in Connecticut. He leaves behind his father, MowMow.
Hogle Zoo posted on Instagram on Monday, April 22, saying the move came at the recommendation from the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, which develops breeding and transfer plans to help manage the red panda population.
The 10-month-old red panda completed his 2,230-mile journey and safely arrived at the Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut where he is currently in a quarantine period. Beardsley Zoo said the quarantine period is standard practice to ensure the health and safety of all and to allow Dorji to get used to his new surroundings.
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“We know this feels sudden. Red Pandas are temperature sensitive, like many Asian Highlands’ animals; this means that after our teams got an all clear on his health, we acted quickly to beat the heat for his travels,” said the Hogle Zoo on social media.
The Hogle Zoo said the move not only gives Dorji the opportunity to have a litter of his own but also to learn from other red pandas who “can keep showing how to, well, panda!”
“[Dorji’s] arrival is not just a joyous event for us but a step towards enhancing the genetic diversity and conservation of red pandas,” said Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Dorji was born at the Hogle Zoo to Priya and MowMow. Despite the sudden loss of Priya in December 2023, Dorji and MowMow could still be spotted having the time of their lives. He has been described as a “late-night snacker” with a playful and inquisitive nature. Dorji is expected to make his first public appearance at his new home on Mother’s day weekend.
As for MowMow, Utah’s Hogle Zoo said they are working with the Red Panda Species Survival Plan to find a new home for him as well. But red pandas shouldn’t panic. The Hogle Zoo said red panda care at the zoo is “far from over” and Utahns should stay tuned for new arrival updates.
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