Massachusetts Zoo’s First Red Panda Makes Public Debut

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP) — A 2-year-old red panda is the newest attraction at a Massachusetts zoo.

“Jacob” was introduced to visitors on Friday at Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford.

The Standard Times reports that Jacob, Buttonwood’s first red panda, was born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and brought to New Bedford last summer. The animal spent several months bonding with caretakers in private before making its public debut.

Red pandas are native to China, India and several other Asian countries. They are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Zoo officials say they’re expanding Jacob’s habitat and hope to also bring in a female red panda.

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