‘Sunny D’ the red panda enters new exhibit at the Louisville Zoo

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On Thursday, the Louisville Zoo announced one of their most beloved animals, Sundara, the red panda, is back on exhibit in a new space in time for his May 23 birthday.

The new location also provides more room for the 2-year-old panda to explore and relax, according to the Zoo, right next to his new neighbors, three of Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths — Fern, Sunni and Sebastian.

Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo, emphasized the habitat’s role in supporting the broader conservation efforts of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan.

“With this new habitat, the Louisville Zoo continues its commitment to the care and conservation of endangered species like the red panda by not only providing a nurturing environment for Sunny D, but also the opportunity for potential offspring,” Maloney said.

The area allows him to climb on a network of elements or rest in shaded areas.

The enclosure has the potential to house multiple red pandas in the future. The Zoo says it plans to introduce an immersive behind-the-scenes experience with red pandas, including naturalistic log training stations for VIP encounters and daily keeper chats for guests. The behind-the-scenes area is fully ADA compliant, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, according to the Zoo.