#irpd2018

International Red Panda Day

International Red Panda Day is observed on September 15th of this year. Red Panda is a mammal slightly larger than a domestic cat and feeds on the bamboo. The commemoration of the International Red Panda Day is a way to promote and encourage people save these adorable beings as they are being listed under endangered species.

“We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations.” – Loretta Lynch

History of International Red Panda Day

The history and origin of the International Red Panda Day (IRDP) are anonymous. Every third Saturday of September marks the celebration of these wonderful creatures. The red panda species is classified as an Endangered species by the IUCN due to the decline in its wild population. Approximately less than 10,000 mature red pandas are surviving. Even after national laws are protecting them, the red panda is continuing to diminish in number due to the habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and inbreeding depression. International Red Panda Day is observed to save this species as they are nearing the extinction. The Red Panda is otherwise called as lesser panda, the red bearcat, and the red cat-bear. These mammals are native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China.

Red Panda has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait because of its shorter front legs and resides on the bamboo tree. It is a solitary animal, mainly active from the dusk to dawn, and is found to be mostly inactive during the day. IRDP 2017 is to be celebrated in more than 60 zoos globally. The event focuses on helping Red Panda Network (RPN) by creating as many Red Panda Rangers as possible on that day. It is a unique title awarded to children who contribute to spreading the word about red pandas. RPN is actively working towards the protection of wild red pandas and their habitat with the help of education and empowerment of the local communities.

How to Celebrate International Red Panda Day

Celebrating the International Red Panda Day is very simple. Participate in the IRDP 2018 to encourage and get involved in saving the red pandas species from further decline. Encourage your children to spread the word Red Panda on this day to get the title Red Panda Rangers. Any form of support you give will directly benefit the Forest Guardians who are involved in protecting the red pandas.