Saturday, May 2, 2009

Camera Critters 56


Camera Critters



Today I'm going to introduce you to Toby.
Toby, the Red Panda, is one of the newest additions to the Houston Zoo.
We hope, someday, there will be a Mrs. Toby!
Toby is living in a newly redecorated area that once housed Koalas.
The Koalas have returned to California.
Toby is very active and doesn't pose.
I got this photo *on the fly*!





Houston “got cute” on March 28, 2009 when The World’s Cutest Animal made his long awaited debut at the Houston Zoo. He’s Toby, the red panda. Toby’s new indoor home near the Houston Zoo’s award-winning Natural Encounters Building includes natural log climbing features, natural substrate floor, a small pool and a water fall, skylights and air conditioning.

Over the years, the red panda has undergone an identity crisis of sorts, existing in the shadow of the better known giant panda. Red pandas are exquisite and fascinating mammals with their own unique set of behaviors and characteristics. Best known for their striking red coats and white to reddish-brown facial mask, red pandas are superb climbers. When not searching for food on the ground, red pandas will spend most of their time in the trees.

Red pandas live only in temperate forests in the Himalayan foothills from western Nepal through northern Burma (Myanmar) and in the mountains of southwestern China at altitudes between 5,000 and 13,000 feet. Temperatures remain fairly cool and constant in their native habitat, supporting the mix of forests trees and bamboo on which red pandas depend. Red pandas live solitary lives, only coming together to reproduce during the very brief breeding season.

The red panda’s diet is very unusual among mammals. Only the red panda, giant panda, two types of rodents, and one species of lemur from Madagascar can survive on a strict bamboo diet. The red panda’s adaptation to a bamboo diet has helped shape their behavior, spending up to half the day in search of tender new bamboo leaves. (Information from the Houston Zoo)

You can see more of Toby on YouTube:


26 comments:

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Toby looks part raccoon, part fox with the feet and coat of a bear. Fascinating creatures, thanks for sharing more about them with us. Your zoo must be fantastic - one of my dreams is to live in or close enough to a city that has a spectacular zoo. Dream, girl, dream big!

Tink *~*~* said...

Thanks - I've never seen a red panda before. He really shares some characteristics with raccoons, doesn't he? Mask, ringed tail... love it!

Tink *~*~*

Martha said...

Red Pandas are adorable! Toby is no exception!

Carrie said...

That's what I love about Camera Critters, you just never know what your going to find. I have never heard about a Red Panda before, cool video.

Thanks for stopping by.
Care Bear

Marie Reed said...

What a gem! I'm about to sit back and watch Toby's video:)

Unknown said...

I'd also never heard of a Red Panda, either !!

Thanks for that information, it was really interesting..

Toby has some gorgeous markings, he looks a little like some of the raccoons we see around here..

Wildflowerhouse said...

What a little cutie! Reminds me of a racoon or red fox. Thanks for sharing. Sharon

Pat - Arkansas said...

Kewl, Snap! Toby does look much like a raccoon/fox combo, with that ringed tail. Interesting information.

Anonymous said...

Toby is a good lookin lil fella & yes, he's very active - seems like he just can't sit still!

Larry said...

Thanks for introducing me to the Red Panda Snap! What a cool animal! I appreciate all the information too and the video is awesome!

kayleen said...

Toby is beautiful. Enjoyed the zoo YouTube. Like others I thought of a raccoon when watching the video. Thanks for sharing

Nebraska Birding

Oskar said...

We have red panda's at our Detroit Zoo, but my people have never been able to see them. They are always hiding in their habitat.

Adrienne Zwart said...

I enjoy watching the red pandas at our Akron zoo, too. But you are right, they are difficult to photograph. Either constantly moving, or sleeping with their backs to us. :) Great post!

Ladynred said...

That is beautiful red panda! Love the video.
http://ilovemyguineapigs.com/?p=306

Sharon said...

Cute little guy. Thanks for sharing all this information with us!

Amy said...

That is pretty cool. I've never seen a red panda before. Interesting.

Susan Cook said...

Toby is so cute. I'd love to see one of those.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Sanp: Neat photos of the Red Panda.
BTW: I do live in a small city and the deer are leaving inside the city limits.

Janie said...

What a beautiful animal. He's very cute in the video, too.

??? said...

Great capture of a rare animal. I've seen them a few times and I've always loved their faces and nimble fingers.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Can you believe I have shown these on my blog in the past. We have them at the wildlife park. Stunning cute creatures.

Tina said...

yes very unusual. i have always liked these myself too

Shey said...

Very cute and playful! Such a joy to watch.

Happy weekend! :)

Crafty Christina said...

Wow, I've never heard of a Red Panda either.

Jim and Jami said...

never seen a red panda before, what a great animal! Maybe we will have to visit the Houston Zoo so we can see him in person.....


Thank you for visiting Fleming Family Circus :)

Indrani said...

When I see my bamboo shoots growing I wish I had a panda as a pet. Lovely shot and the video. :)