Help Name Our Newest Resident
In case you haven’t heard, our forest just got a little fluffier! The Maryland Zoo is thrilled to welcome two red pandas: a mature female named Aurora and a juvenile who is still waiting for the perfect name… and that’s where you come in.
By making a donation to support her care, you’ll have the opportunity to enter for the chance to help give her the perfect name. Not only will your donation help provide essential care, but it’ll also allow you to be part of this exciting new chapter in Zoo history!
Here’s how to participate:
🌿 Donate: Every donation of $20 earns you one entry for a chance to help name the juvenile red panda. Only credit card and Venmo transactions can be accepted, no checks! One winner will be selected at random and notified by the Zoo’s Development Team.
🌿 Support the Zoo: Your fully tax-deductible donation helps fund exceptional animal care and conservation efforts.
🌿 Win a Meet the Team Experience:The winner will be invited to the Zoo for a meeting with the red panda keeper team to learn more about the red pandas and their care. The meeting should take place, in person, or virtually by June 29, 2026.
🌿 Help Choose the Name: Following the meeting, the winner will submit three potential names for the animal care team’s consideration, explanations for your name choices are encouraged! Names must be appropriate in nature, and the Zoo reserves final discretion regarding name selection. The panda’s name will be announced on July 2, 2026.
The contest has closed!
*Please note, while we can never guarantee how long an animal will call our campus home, we are excited to welcome these red pandas and expect them to remain part of the Zoo family for years to come.
Thank you for supporting the Zoo and helping us celebrate our newest furry friends!
How Else Can I Help?
Making a donation is the most impactful way to support, but it’s not the only option! You can also help by purchasing a limited edition red panda adoption package or booking a Red Wine & Red Pandas Happy Hour.
100% of proceeds from each adoption package supports animal care, education programs, and wildlife conservation for endangered and threatened species. Each package includes:
- 5 x 7 replica red panda paw print
- Red panda plush keepsake
- Two (2) one-time-use Zoo tickets valid for one year
- Personalized official animal adoption certificate
- An animal fun fact sheet
- A frameable photograph of the red panda
- Free shipping & handling
Sip, savor, and explore at Red Wine and Red Pandas, an exclusive after-hours networking event at the Zoo. Enjoy curated red wine tastings and hors d’oeuvres while viewing the brand-new red panda habitat. This unique setting provides an unforgettable backdrop for connecting with colleagues, clients, and industry peers.
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