Red panda ‘Mebo' arrives at San Francisco Zoo

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A young female red panda named “Little Mebo” arrived at the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens this week. Zoo officials said its newest resident is part of their mission to invest in Asian conservation and support endangered species like red pandas.

"The newest red panda was placed here as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival for Red Pandas,” said SF Zoo CEO Tanya Peterson. “SSPs are comprised of zoological experts who study various factors before moving an animal to ensure the genetic diversity of a species. SF Zoo has provided a safe haven for the endangered red panda for several years, and we are honored to provide a home for Little Mebo.”

Mebo traveled from Tennessee to San Francisco inside the cabin of a Southwest Airlines jet, and enjoyed bamboo mid-flight snacks. Dominick Dorsa, the zoo’s vice president of animal care, said “Southwest Airlines granted a special exception by allowing our red panda to travel in the aircraft's cabin.”

Many curious travelers were able to view the red panda as Little Mebo was wheeled through an airport.

“It was hard to keep a low profile with Little Mebo peeking over the mesh door covering of the crate every 30 seconds. Everyone was beyond excited to see her,” said SF Zoo assistant curator Andrew Poole. Seasoned TSA staff were delighted when the animal went through security.

The zoo shared photographs and videos of the red panda exploring her new home in San Francisco. Little Mebo joined the zoo's male red panda, “Tenzing,” and an older female, “Hunter,” at the Red Panda Treehouse located at the Zoo's Youth Exploration Zone.

Almost 50 percent of the red panda's wild habitat is located in high-altitude forests of the Himalayas.

Red pandas have a bear-like shape, thick fur, small body size, and bushy tails.

“Red pandas are very skillful and acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. They use their long, bushy tails for balance and to cover themselves in winter, presumably for warmth,” the World Wildlife Fund wrote.

Two giant pandas from China will arrive at the San Francisco Zoo by 2025, according to a letter of intent signed by the city’s mayor and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

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