The executive director of Roger Williams Park Zoo called it a luxury condominium, which is closer to accurate than it sounds. The zoo’s Red Panda Paradise, unveiled in March 2024, is a two-story building with a two-story yard attached, built for exactly two animals.
The residents are Kendji and Zan.
What is in it
The indoor half is climate controlled across two levels, built to hold Himalayan conditions regardless of what Rhode Island is doing outside. That is the whole design problem in one sentence: red pandas come from cool, humid montane forest, and a New England summer is neither cool nor reliably anything.
Viewing windows are placed deliberately rather than wrapped around the whole structure, and a remote camera system lets keepers watch the pandas even when the animals have gone somewhere guests cannot see.
The outdoor habitat is also two stories, with climbing structures and several viewing angles. Red pandas are arboreal and spend most of their day above ground, so vertical space is not a flourish, it is the usable part of the enclosure.
Behind the scenes there are private bedrooms with nest boxes for undisturbed rest, and upgraded keeper workspace and kitchen areas.
“We’re incredibly proud of this new habitat; it’s like a luxury condominium for two of our fan-favorite residents. It represents our unwavering commitment to animal welfare and creating enriching environments for our residents and guests.”
Stacey Johnson, executive director, Roger Williams Park Zoo
The detail that says the most
The habitat was designed so it can be expanded later to hold more red pandas.
That is a small line in a press release and a significant decision on a drawing board. Building in the capacity to grow costs money now for animals that do not exist yet, and most capital projects skip it. A zoo that leaves the option open is telling the Species Survival Plan it can take a recommendation in five years without starting a new build.
Red pandas are listed as Endangered, with the wild population under pressure from habitat loss across the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. The North American population is managed cooperatively, which means where a panda lives is decided by a studbook rather than by whoever wants one.
Red Panda Paradise is open during regular zoo hours.
Source: Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Quick answers
- What is Red Panda Paradise?
A habitat at Roger Williams Park Zoo, unveiled in March 2024, built for exactly two red pandas, Kendji and Zan. It is a two-story building with a two-story outdoor yard attached.
- Why does it need two stories?
Red pandas are arboreal and spend most of their day above ground, so vertical space is the usable part of the enclosure rather than a flourish.
- Why is the indoor half climate controlled?
Red pandas come from cool, humid montane forest, and the indoor space is built to hold Himalayan conditions regardless of what Rhode Island is doing outside.
- How do keepers watch the animals?
Viewing windows are placed deliberately rather than wrapped around the whole structure, and a remote camera system lets keepers watch the pandas even when the animals have gone somewhere guests cannot see. Behind the scenes there are private bedrooms with nest boxes for undisturbed rest.
