Two new red pandas are now calling Denver Zoo home. Male, He-Ping, arrived from Milwaukee Zoo and his new mate, Sophia, came from Mill Mountain Zoo in Virginia. The two new arrivals have been spending time behind the scenes getting to know each other, but today, for the first full day, they can be seen exploring their new outdoor habitat.

He-Ping is 9 years old and Sophia is 5 years old. In zoos red pandas can live to be more than 15 years old. He-Ping is distinguishable from his new mate by his whiter face and bushier tail. The two have been paired together under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) in hopes that they will some day have cubs. Zoos participate in SSPs to ensure healthy populations and genetic diversity among animals.

Red pandas are classified as endangered, with an estimated population of less than 2,500 mature individuals remaining in the wild. Their population continues to decline due to habitat fragmentation and hunting.Like their larger cousins, these lesser pandas eat primarily bamboo shoots.Red pandas are well adapted with their thick fur coats to live in the often low temperatures of the mountains of southeastern Asia and are quite comfortable outside during cooler days here in Denver.