Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Leads the Fight to Save Red Pandas

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has long been a cherished home to red pandas and a passionate advocate for their survival in the wild. Today, that commitment reaches far beyond the Zoo's borders through its leadership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) SAFE Red Panda program, bringing together zoos, conservationists, veterinarians, educators, and researchers with one shared purpose: to give red pandas a future.

There are currently approximately 134 red pandas living in 100 AZA-accredited zoos across North America. Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is helping lead a collective effort involving 27 zoos and other partner institutions. Together, these organizations are combining their expertise in conservation science, animal care, health, behavior, and education to confront the challenges threatening red pandas in the wild.

For Pittsburgh Zoo Director of Conservation Dr. Shafkat Khan, who serves as Vice Program Leader and Conservation Action Lead for Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) Red Panda, this work is an opportunity to turn admiration for these remarkable animals into meaningful action.

"The plan addresses key conservation challenges facing red pandas, including habitat loss and degradation, poaching and illegal trade, small and isolated populations, pathogens and diseases, infrastructure development, inadequate awareness, and climate change," says Dr. Khan.

Dr. Khan recently visited Nepal and spent time with the Zoo's partner there, Red Panda Network (RPN), to see the forest restoration sites and understand the needs for red panda conservation.

"In addition to visiting the restoration sites, I was fortunate to meet with the restoration committee of Jaubari village," says Dr. Khan. "The committee is an all-woman group and community-based efforts are the key to success in any conservation effort. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn how RPN is collaborating with the community to make conservation outcomes more lasting."

In the high elevations of the eastern Himalayas where the red panda lives, habitat conversion breaks large contiguous forest habitats into smaller fragmented areas, making these smaller habitats less suitable for sustaining red pandas. Connecting these smaller patches is a good strategy for conservation not just of red pandas, but all wildlife that uses these forests.

"Habitat restoration efforts can include planting tree species able to tolerate harsh conditions and then planting tree species that red pandas prefer under an established canopy," Dr. Khan explains. "This is a more sensible approach to habitat restoration. The understanding and discussions gleaned from the field visit will guide future SAFE Red Panda conservation efforts."

These threats are enormous – but so is the power of collaboration. In the Himalayas, diseases such as canine distemper virus and rabies put both domestic and wild animals at risk, including vulnerable red panda populations. Dr. Lauren Kane, Pittsburgh Zoo's Senior Associate Veterinarian and co-leader of SAFE Red Panda's One Health workgroup, is helping bring together zoo veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal care professionals to address this urgent challenge. Their work includes campaigns to vaccinate feral and domestic dogs against canine distemper virus and rabies, helping protect wildlife by improving the health of the communities and animals living alongside them.

Conservation is not only about protecting animals in the field, but also about inspiring people to care. Red pandas have a special ability to capture hearts. Their gentle faces, distinctive markings, and playful personalities make them beloved by visitors, creating a powerful opportunity to transform that affection into action. Through education and public engagement, SAFE Red Panda partners are bringing the story of red pandas in the Himalayas into classrooms, zoos, communities, and homes across North America.

Pittsburgh Zoo Vice President of Conservation, Education, and Community Engagement Dr. Jenn Torpie co-leads the Public Engagement workgroup and understands the power of connection. "Continually integrating the stories of this SAFE's work and that of our field partners into educational programs at partner institutions will be a vital part of this SAFE's success," says Torpie. "Additionally, it will support partner institutions in implementing SAFE Red Panda activities with their home audiences."

As the 41st SAFE Program added to the AZA's roster, SAFE Red Panda is bringing institutions together around a common vision: a world where red pandas have healthy, viable wild populations and sustainable habitats. Every vaccination, every field study, every educational conversation, and every person inspired to care represents another step toward that future. Together, we can help ensure that these extraordinary crimson creatures continue to have a place in the wild for generations to come.

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SOURCE Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium