Sampson the red panda comes to the Virginia Zoo
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — There’s a new tiny little guy at the Virginia Zoo.
Sampson, a nearly 10-year-old male red panda, just recently came to Norfolk from the Indianapolis Zoo, the zoo announced Thursday.
The zoo’s hoping he will mate with female red panda Natasha as part of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan. Meanwhile the zoo’s other female red panda, Bo, was recently placed behind the scenes ahead of a move to a private facility as part of the species survival plan.
“Her move allows space for Natasha to potentially get….. a boyfriend!” the zoo announced back in March. Natasha has received a breeding recommendation from the SSP, and we are in the process of securing the perfect partner for her. Stay tuned for what is sure to be the most adorable new couple in town!”
Sampson, who was known for his acrobatics and eating at the Indy Zoo, will be in the Asia: Trail of the Tiger exhibit.
Red pandas are currently listed as endangered due to habitat loss and other issues. They can live up to about 23 years old.
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