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Red Panda Jinjin starts journey

Newborn zoo animals temporarily relocated to a cat compound, preparing for exit from the zoo.

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2025 September 13 . 4:07 PM

1 min read

Red Panda Jinjin starts journey

Red panda Jinjin, currently residing at a UK-based zoo, is set to relocate to another facility as part of a breeding program for her species. The move is a crucial step in preparing Jinjin for potential future care of her own offspring, according to zoo officials.

The exact zoo where Jinjin will be relocated has not yet been announced, but it will be within the EAZA Ex-situ Program (EEP) network. This program aims to build a genetically diverse reserve population of red pandas under human care.

Interestingly, Jinjin's mother, Uma, gave birth to a new red panda offspring in July. However, this event does not affect Jinjin's upcoming move or the genetic diversity goals of the EAZA Ex-situ Program. The new offspring, still under Uma's care, is not visible to zoo visitors as it remains in its den.

At 14 months old, Jinjin is now independent and has started to explore her surroundings, mimicking the natural behaviour of red pandas in the wild. In nature, red pandas leave their mothers and begin to search for their own territory at this age.

The birth of Uma's new offspring is not part of the breeding program that Jinjin is a part of. The move to another zoo is solely focused on increasing the gene pool of red pandas in captivity and ensuring a healthy future for the species.

The zoo where Jinjin resides has a history of transferring offspring through the EAZA Ex-situ Program to other zoos. This practice helps maintain a diverse population of red pandas and contributes to the overall success of the breeding program.

Stay tuned for more updates on Jinjin's journey as she embarks on this new chapter in her life, playing a significant role in the conservation of the endangered red panda species.