Copyright © Millie Bond – A-Z Animals
Red pandas are often referred to as the puppies of the bear world. These endangered and non-aggressive bears are protected in various countries including Myanmar, China, Bhutan, Nepal, and India. In addition to being safeguarded in the wild, red pandas are also protected, studied, and bred in zoos where people can learn about them throughout the year. Discover more about these adorable red pandas and their grape-eating habits in the information below.
Baby Red Pandas Have a Big Appetite
After birth, red panda cubs spend about three months tucked away with their mothers. They are nursed for up to five months before transitioning to solid foods, with a preference for nutrient-rich bamboo leaves. Red pandas have specific dietary requirements and will only consume young leaves with high nutritional value. In the wild, their diet can vary from roots and grasses to eggs or small birds. However, in zoo settings, red panda cubs are fed a diet consisting of fruits, bamboo, greens, insects, and grubs. Grapes are occasionally given as a treat due to their sensitive digestive systems, and some red pandas even enjoy fruits like pears and apples.
Stand-Up Performance
One distinctive behavior of red pandas is their ability to stand on their hind legs. This behavior serves various purposes, including defense tactics. When feeling threatened, red pandas stand upright and raise their arms to appear larger and more intimidating to potential foes. While in the wild they may growl or release odors from their scent glands, this behavior looks more cute than scary when displayed in front of humans. The cub in the video is standing up to eat, a behavior rarely seen in the wild where red pandas typically feed while hanging from branches or sitting. In zoo settings, red pandas may stand up for food as part of their training, with treats like grapes serving as rewards.
A Balancing Act
Red pandas display remarkable balance, aided by their long bushy tails that act as counterbalance weights. They can adjust their tails to maintain posture, which is useful for standing up to intimidate threats in the wild. This balancing skill can be nurtured and developed in captivity as cubs grow. With flexible ankles and fur-covered feet providing excellent grip, red pandas are exceptional climbers and possess impressive agility. Their human-like movements make them a fascinating species to observe.
To watch the video of baby red pandas enjoying grapes, visit A-Z Animals.
