BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Zoo’s second red panda now has a name. The panda, which was introduced to the public on June 12, was the subject of a naming contest. The winner was selected and, inspired by the animal’s distinctive red hue, chose the name, Ember.
Ember and her neighbor, Aurora, are visible in a brand new habitat in the Zoo’s Main Valley. The habitat was designed with special features just for them including climbing structures, a waterfall and pool, and specially-designed logs that have air conditioning to help these cold-climate animals stay comfortable during mid-Atlantic summers.
As you look at the habitats, Ember is in the yard on the right.
These fun, engaging animals are part of the taxonomic group known as Ailuridae. While not genetically part of either the bear or panda family, they are the first species to be called “panda” – fifty years before the black and white giant panda.
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