Several places across Taiwan keep red pandas among their top animals. This reason may make you wonder whether red pandas originated from this country.
So are red pandas native to Taiwan?
No, red pandas are not native to Taiwan. These pandas originated from the Eastern Himalayas region. However, there are several parks and zoos in Taiwan that you may visit to see red pandas.
Red pandas are a thrill, and you should always consider visiting them while in Taiwan. In almost every part of Taiwan, you may find zoos that keep these adorable animals.
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Diving deeper:
5 Places to Visit Red Pandas in Taiwan
Zoos and parks are the homes of red pandas in Taiwan. You may visit these enclosures and enjoy the breathtaking views of red pandas and nature.
Below are the leading zoos and parks that you may visit for some red panda adventure:
- Taipei zoo
- Hsinchu zoo
- Paradise of deer
- Wanpi world Safari zoo
- Shoushan zoo
Taipei Zoo
Taipei zoo is among the largest zoos in Taiwan and Asia at large. This zoo is home to a variety of wild animals. Some of the most popular animals in Taipei zoo include elephants, koalas, lions, and red pandas.
When visiting this zoo, you may also spot several red pandas.
These pandas are among the most popular animals that attract people to this zoo.
At Taipei zoo, red pandas always prove to interest a lot of people. However, this zoo does not allow petting. According to the management of Taipei zoo, petting red pandas is illegal.
Some of the famous red pandas in Taipei zoo are
- Huan Huan: This red panda weighs 10.3 pounds (4.7 kilograms), and China’s Fujian province was his previous original home.
- Chichi: Chichi was born in China under captivity before the keepers later sold it to Taipei zoo. This red panda weighs 11.9 pounds (5.4 kilograms) as of now.
- Quizai: Quizai originated from China, and hunters captured him later. This red panda is among the most cheerful animals in Taipei zoo. He weighs around 29 pounds (13.2 kilograms).
Find out more details about Taipei Zoo and their red pandas on their website!
Hsinchu Zoo
Among the most iconic locations in Taiwan is the Hsinchu zoo. This zoo lies in the middle of the scenic environment around Hsinchu city.
The unique factor about Hsinchu zoo is that the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) acknowledges it. Hsinchu zoo is the only zoo in Taiwan that WAZA recognizes.
Another iconic thing is that Hsinchu zoo hosts several red pandas. While at this zoo, you can enjoy the thrill of different red pandas at once. However, this zoo does not allow anyone to pet red pandas.
The zoo’s primary goal is to protect red pandas. Hsinchu maintains that red pandas are in danger and need protection.
Some of the most common red pandas in Hsinchu zoo include:
- Tan Tan: Like most red pandas, Tan Tan originated from the mountainous regions of China. Tan Tan weighs around 27.5 pounds (12.5 kilograms) and is always shy. While at the Hsinchu zoo, it is hard to see him because he does not like people.
- Yin Yin: Unlike most red pandas from forests, Yin Yin was born in captivity. Her father was from Sichuan, while her mother was from Tibet. The birth of this red panda was significant in the history of captivity breeding. Yin Yin weighs around 30 pounds (14 kilograms).
- Feng Feng: This red panda is quite friendly to people. The zoo keepers believe he is gentle because he was born in captivity. Feng Feng weighs around 29 pounds (13.5 kilograms.
Find out more about Hsinchu Zoo and their red pandas on their Facebook page!
Paradise of Deer
While in Taiwan, the most iconic place to visit is the Paradise of Deer park. In this park, you can see deer and other animals.
Many people come to this destination because of the rolling hills and natural environment.
Red pandas are one of the main attractions in this park. You can see and learn about the behavior of different red pandas at this park.
At Paradise of Deer park, you can get so close to red pandas. However, the park does not allow people to pet these red pandas. The park works to protect the well-being of red pandas.
Some of the most common red pandas at the Paradise of Deer include
- Ba Zi: This red panda was born in captivity, therefore, he is quite unique. Ba Zi weighs 27.5 pounds (12.5 kilograms).
- Qin Qin: This red panda was born in the zoo like his fellow Ba Zi. His parents originated from China before zoo keepers also captured them. Qin Qin weighs 28.6 pounds (13 kilograms).
- Jin Yi: In previous years, Jin Yi lived in China. Zoo keepers captured this red panda and brought her to Paradise of Deer zoo. Ji Yi weighs 19.8 pounds (9 kilograms).
Find out more about Paradise of Deer zoo and their red pandas on their Facebook page!
Wanpi World Safari Zoo
Wanpi World Safari Zoo is among the most famous zoos in Taipei, Taiwan. More than 2,000 animals live in this zoo. This large number of animals in this zoo proves to be fascinating.
Some of the most common animals in this zoo are the red pandas. People can freely interact with the red pandas in this park.
However, the park does not allow anyone to pet red pandas because of conservation matters.
Red pandas in the Wanpi World Safari Zoo include
- Xiao Liwu: This red panda is among this park’s most cheerful red pandas. This female red panda was born in captivity. Xiao Liwu weighs around 24.9 pounds (11.3 kilograms).
- Jia Jia: This red panda was born in captivity. Jia Jia never likes many people around, and you may miss it when you visit Wanpi World Safari Zoo.
Find out more about Wanpi World Safari Zoo and their red pandas on their official website!
Shoushan Zoo
This zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals. Due to a large number of animals, Shousan zoo is among the largest zoos in Taiwan.
Red pandas are among the most common animals in this zoo. This zoo does not allow the petting of red pandas due to conservation reasons.
While here, you have the chance to see red pandas like
- Fuwa: This red panda was born in captivity and is among the most iconic features of Shousan zoo. Fiwa weighs 19.8 pounds (9 kilograms) and is less shy. You can interact with her, but the park does not let you feed her.
- Xia: This red panda loves interacting with people. Xia was born in captivity and weighs 16 pounds (7.3 kilograms).
Find out more about Shousan Zoo and their red pandas on their Facebook page!
Final Thoughts
Red pandas are not native to Taiwan but are available in plenty. Different zoos and parks have provided environments similar to red pandas’ natural habitat.
Some pandas in the above zoos came from the wild, while others were born in captivity.
Red pandas are cute, and you may feel like domesticating them. However, you must know that there are reasons why red pandas are not fit to live with people.
To learn more, find out these 13 reasons why red pandas are not as cuddly as you think.
