Last week, according to a press release from the Sequoia Park Zoo, a young red panda named Saffron moved into new digs here in Humboldt. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s species survival plan, the little tyke, born in July of 2023 (a Cancer? a Leo?) at Garden City, Kansas’ Lee Richardson Zoo, left his parents Charlie Junior and Paprika to join us in Eureka.
The release quotes Animal Curator Amanda Auston saying, “Red pandas are part of our identity as a zoo, and we all have been patiently — but eagerly — waiting for this little guy!” She also notes that the change of environment requires time for Saffron to get accustomed to his new life. On top of a 30-day quarantine protocol, it may be months before the public gets a glimpse of the stripy fellow the staff have nicknamed Baby Spice.
Read the full press release, beginning with an explanation as to why Eureka can’t have its own internet-busting baby hippo, below:
SEQUOIA PARK ZOO RESPONDS TO COMMUNITY CRY FOR BABY PYGMY HIPPO
EUREKA, CA – Sequoia Park Zoo wants to reassure the community that we have no plans to bring a baby pygmy hippo (or ten) to the best little zoo in the redwoods.
While we acknowledge that Moo Deng is undeniably charming and her antics on social media have created a frenzy, a pygmy hippo would be unsuitable at Sequoia Park Zoo for many reasons.
“A hippo, even a pygmy one, would require the construction of a brand new habitat that is simply not practical,” explains Zoo Director, Jim Campbell-Spickler. “We don’t have the space or resources to care for major African mammals. Our temperate coastal climate and intimate size allow us to specialize in smaller North American, South American, and Asian species that will thrive at our facility.”
Instead of focusing energy on hypothetical pygmy hippos and hybrids, Sequoia Park Zoo would like to take the opportunity to announce the very real arrival of Saffron – a NEW red panda at the Zoo!
Last week, Zoo staff quietly welcomed a young male red panda from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas. Born in July 2023 to parents Charlie Junior (CJ) and Paprika, Saffron has come to Sequoia Park Zoo as part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As part of standard procedures for all new animals at the Zoo, Saffron will be cared for behind-the-scenes during a typical 30-day quarantine period.
“Red pandas are part of our identity as a Zoo, and we all have been patiently – but eagerly – waiting for this little guy!” says Animal Curator, Amanda Auston. “He’s still a young panda, and this is a big adjustment for him. We are going to work at his pace to gradually introduce him to life at the Zoo.”
Sequoia Park Zoo reminds the community that it might take months before Saffron is comfortable and ready for public appearances. We look forward to posting regular updates about Saffron’s progress as we care for him and learn the personality of this aptly nicknamed “baby spice.”
Guests wanting to support red pandas at Sequoia Park Zoo can contribute to the Red Panda Improvement Project Fund by making a donation at redwoodzoo.org/donate.
The Red Panda Improvement Project supports construction and renovations to Sequoia Park Zoo’s red panda and muntjac habitat that will increase habitat size, enhance guest experience, and improve animal visibility.
ABOUT SEQUOIA PARK ZOO
Founded in 1907, Sequoia Park Zoo is the oldest zoo in California and is home of the award-winning Redwood Sky Walk. Owned and operated by the City of Eureka and proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), Sequoia Park Zoo is committed to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and education. Sequoia Park Zoo cares for over 150 individual animals representing more than 50 diverse species. Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife and wild places. Visit redwoodzoo.org and redwoodskywalk.com for more information.
ABOUT HAF+WRCF
For five decades, the Humboldt Area Foundation—joined by the Wild Rivers Community Foundation in 2004—has proudly served the counties of Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte in California, Curry County in Southern Oregon, and the unceded lands of many Indigenous peoples. Today, the Foundation acts as a single entity with a generational vision and decade-long goals of supporting “Racial Equity, Thriving Youth and Families, Healthy Ecosystems and Environments, and a Just Economy and Economic Development.” Since 1972, the Foundation has awarded more than $117 million in grants and scholarships from hundreds of charitable funds established by generous individuals, families and businesses in our community. The Foundation also provided countless hours of technical assistance, advocacy and convening throughout the region.
For more information about HAF+WRCF, visit hafoundation.org or call (707) 442-2993.
This article appears in ‘Powerful’.
