Sequoia Park Zoo Breaks Ground on Red Panda Improvement Project

Press release from the Sequoia Park Zoo:

Saffron the red panda [Image from Sequoia Park Zoo]

The City of Eureka is pleased to be breaking ground on the Red Panda Improvement Project at Sequoia Park Zoo. Made possible by a generous grant from the Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation, this important habitat renovation will improve animal visibility, increase habitat size, rejuvenate interpretive elements, and create opportunities for visitors to connect with this charismatic and endangered species.

Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) have been one of the most popular animals at the Zoo since the species first arrived in 2010, and modernizing the habitat allows Sequoia Park Zoo to continue to meet and exceed the rigorous standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In fall of 2024, the Zoo welcomed Saffron, a young adult male red panda, as part of a coordinated placement recommended by the AZA’s red panda Species Survival Plan (SSP).

“Saffron is settling in nicely,” says Animal Curator, Amanda Auston. “As with any new animal, we take time to learn their personalities and quirks and teach them about life at the Zoo. One thing we have learned about Saffron is that he is a voracious eater. Unlike some of our previous pandas, he doesn’t seem to be too picky about his bamboo!”

Saffron will continue to be cared for behind the scenes as his habitat is being refurbished, and guests can follow his progress on the Zoo’s social media accounts.

The original red panda habitat at Sequoia Park Zoo was built as an effort supported by local businesses and individual donors. We acknowledge the legacy of these original community supporters, and we are excited to renovate a beloved habitat for the newest member of our red panda family. The Red Panda Improvement Project is slated for completion in late spring.

“The Christine and Jalmer Berg Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Zoo, and we are once again deeply grateful for their support,” says Jim Campbell-Spickler, Zoo Director. “We also appreciate our charitable partner, the Humboldt Area Foundation, for their management of the grant funds. The streamlined donation process allows the Zoo to focus on what we do best – caring for animals, educating guests, and getting the habitat ready for Saffron and our visitors.”

Sequoia Park Zoo recognizes the deep connections that guests have with the environment and the animals in our care. Once again, we invite our incredible community to consider making a donation to support the red panda habitat at the Zoo. Every donation, no matter the size, has a meaningful impact.

Guests and organizations wishing to contribute to the Red Panda Improvement Project at Sequoia Park Zoo can visit www.redwoodzoo.org/donate to learn more about donation and habitat sponsorship opportunities.

ABOUT SEQUOIA PARK ZOO

Founded in 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and is home of the award-winning Redwood Sky Walk. Owned and operated by the City of Eureka and proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Sequoia Park Zoo is committed to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education. Sequoia Park Zoo cares for over 150 individual animals representing more than 50 diverse species. Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife and wild places. Visit redwoodzoo.org and redwoodskywalk.com for more information.

ABOUT HAF+WRCF

For five decades, the Humboldt Area Foundation—joined by the Wild Rivers Community Foundation in 2004—has proudly served the counties of Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte in California, Curry County in Southern Oregon, and the unceded lands of many Indigenous peoples. Today, the Foundation acts as a single entity with a generational vision and decade-long goals of supporting “Racial Equity, Thriving Youth and Families, Healthy Ecosystems and Environments, and a Just Economy and Economic Development.” Since 1972, the Foundation has awarded more than $117 million in grants and scholarships from hundreds of charitable funds established by generous individuals, families and businesses in our community. The Foundation also provided countless hours of technical assistance, advocacy and convening throughout the region.

For more information about HAF+WRCF, visit hafoundation.org or call (707) 442-2993.