Portland, United States – A young red panda named Enoki has arrived at the Oregon Zoo and is settling into her new habitat.

The nearly 3-year-old animal arrived last week and has already begun exploring, eating, and resting as she adjusts to her surroundings.

“We’re so excited to have Enoki here,” said Kelly Gomez, who oversees the zoo’s red panda area. “She was timid at first, but she’s starting to get more comfortable. She’s exploring and snacking and napping, which is everything you want to see in a red panda.”

Zoo staff say Enoki may not always be visible to visitors despite having full access to her habitat.

“Red pandas are climbers, and Enoki is no exception,” Gomez said. “If you don’t spot her right away, look up — she might be lounging high up in the habitat.”

She may also be resting inside her den box during the day.

Red pandas are not related to giant pandas and are the only members of the Ailuridae family. They are ring-tailed, sharp-toothed omnivores found in the mountain forests of the Himalayas and parts of southwestern China.

Their red, white, and black fur helps them blend into tree habitats covered with moss and lichens.

Enoki belongs to the refulgens subspecies, which is known for darker facial markings and more distinct tail rings.

The species is classified as endangered, with populations estimated to have dropped by around 50 percent over the past 25 years. Fewer than 2,500 are believed to remain in the wild due to habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and illegal trade.

Enoki was born on June 13, 2023, at Memphis Zoo and later moved to Portland after a short stay at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. Her transfer followed recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for red pandas to support genetic diversity and long-term survival.

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