Everyone, say hello to Faye! 

Faye, as you can see, is a beautiful Red Panda! Faye is one of three red pandas that currently live at the Red River Zoo in Fargo, North Dakota.

Fun Fact

The Red River Zoo is well-known, both locally and globally, for its impact on the conservation of red pandas through its success in red panda breeding. More than 25% of red pandas found in Zoos across the United States were born at the Red River Zoo!

So if you're ever in North Dakota, maybe take a trip out to visit Faye and her red panda buddies and support the Red River Zoo!

The red panda population has decreased by 40% in the past 50 years. Currently, there are an estimated 10,000 living red pandas, with about 2,500 in their native habitat. There are more efforts now than ever to protect and save red pandas across the world. We're grateful to everyone putting in that effort and to the zoos, like the Red River Zoo, for conserving our cute, furry friend.

Behind The Scenes of Faye's Photo

This stunning image of Faye was taken by the photographer, Russell Harvey. He was waiting that morning for the red panda to emerge from her dwelling place to be able to capture its beauty and gracefulness. This snapshot was taken as Faye carefully propped up to look out over the landscape to see what was happening.

Harvey entered this photo into the Red River Zoo’s calendar photo contest and it won a spot. The zoo has even used this picture on its zoo membership cards for the last four years in a row—and for good reason too, she's adorable!

I love this picture! Faye looks like she is happily thinking with her paw under her chin. And look at how well you can see her whiskers! And how long those whiskers are too! They are kind of like cat whiskers.

Harvey did an amazing job capturing her shy personality in this picture. Though most red pandas are shyer and tend to keep to themselves, they are very playful with their fellow red panda friends. I would love to see your encounters with Red Pandas too!

Get featured on our Instagram!

Complete the steps below to be featured on our Instagram!

1. Take a picture of one at your local zoo or with a finished Red Panda Books coloring page
2. Post it to Instagram, either in your stories or in a post
3. Tag @red_panda_books and use the hashtag #redpandawatch

BONUS! You will have a blast doing an activity together, whether it is getting outdoors by going to the zoo or coloring a red panda coloring page!

Here’s to enjoying wildlife (and cute Red Pandas) together!

Cheers,