red panda

Definition of red panda

: a small, largely arboreal mammal (Ailurus fulgens of the family Ailuridae) that resembles the American raccoon, that is found from the Himalayas to China, and that has long rusty or chestnut fur with dark underparts, a long bushy tail with rings, and a white face and inner ears with a dark stripe from the corners of the eyes to the lower jaw

— called also lesser panda

Note: The red panda feeds mostly on bamboo, roots, grass, leaves, fruit, acorns, eggs, insects, and small animals (such as birds). It was formerly considered a relative of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) but is now considered more closely related to the raccoons, skunks, and weasels.

Examples of red panda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's littlest red panda is making an appearance. — Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, "🚨 Cuteness alert 🚨 Cincinnati Zoo's baby red panda explores outside for the first time," 13 Oct. 2020 The red panda that lives there now, Lucille, was born at the Bronx Zoo. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Memphis Zoo Mourns Death of 'Exceptionally Handsome' Red Panda: This 'Is a Significant Loss'," 16 Sep. 2020 On Tuesday, the Tennessee zoo announced the tragic news that red panda Xing had been euthanized. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Memphis Zoo Mourns Death of 'Exceptionally Handsome' Red Panda: This 'Is a Significant Loss'," 16 Sep. 2020 This year, Zoofari guests can bid online on exclusive auction items such as: an overnight safari at the Cincinnati Zoo, behind-the-scenes experiences with Fiona and Bibi, and naming a Cincinnati Zoo baby flamingo or baby red panda. — Madeline Mitchell, The Enquirer, "See Fiona and bid on behind-the-scenes Zoo experiences at free, virtual 'Zoofari' event," 11 Sep. 2020 One of the Oregon Zoo’s newest residents, a baby red panda, got its first veterinary checkup Monday, revealing that the tiny critter is a male. — oregonlive, "It’s a boy: Oregon Zoo’s baby red panda gets first vet checkup," 3 Aug. 2020 According to the zoo, red panda cubs are born blind and don’t open their eyes for several weeks. — oregonlive, "You can’t go to the Oregon Zoo yet, but you can see this adorable tiny red panda cub," 1 July 2020 For red panda Mei Mei, life going on meant bringing a little more life into the world. — oregonlive, "You can’t go to the Oregon Zoo yet, but you can see this adorable tiny red panda cub," 1 July 2020 But much like Richie, the grownup Doyle missed her favorite animal – Harriett the red panda. — Sarah Haselhorst, Cincinnati.com, "Gotta go find Lucille: Cincinnati Zoo's small but lively reopening had kids with to-do lists," 10 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'red panda.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.