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Did you know that despite sharing a common name, giant pandas and red pandas are not closely related? They were both given the name panda simply because both specialize on eating bamboo, and the word panda is an adaptation of nigala ponya which means “bamboo eater” in Nepalese. Red pandas are actually in an entirely separate family (Ailuridae) of which they are the sole living member. This field frame was taken by researcher Francesca Whitehead, who was conducting personality assessments in captive red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) to determine if the animals have distinct personalities that could aid in captive management and welfare.

Photo and caption by Francesca Whitehead

Edited by Jessica Schaefer