2026 Undergraduate Research Showcase

Red Pandamonium: Daily Behaviors of Captive Red Pandas at Zoo Boise

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-24-2026

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Amy Ulappa

Abstract

Zoos across the world serve as hubs for conservation, education, and research. Due to the impracticality of having constant observers cataloging the behaviors of each species, it can be challenging to quantify animal activity patterns regarding daily habitat usage, which is data that can reveal relevant information about an animal’s status. Zookeepers at Zoo Boise were curious about the daily activity trends of their Himalayan and Chinese red pandas (Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani) in their new exhibit. This study investigated when red pandas were most active, in which layer of their habitat they were spending the most time (canopy, understory, or ground), and what they were spending their time doing during zoo hours (10am-5pm). We conducted behavior observations at Zoo Boise and tracked behaviors such as foraging, pacing, walking, and climbing. We categorized location within the enclosure, including the canopy, understory, and ground, with all movements for visible red pandas. We predicted that red pandas would be more active during the early hours of zoo operations and would become less active in the day. When they were visible, they were expected to be engaged in feeding or resting behaviors, with less frequent locomotion. When pandas were active we found they used all layers of their habitat and displayed a wide range of behaviors, underscoring the importance of creating an enriching environment which contains elements functionally similar to those of an animal’s natural habitat. These results can be used to inform care staff choices on enrichment or future habitat modifications, and to more accurately inform zoo visitors when the animals are expected to be up and moving around.

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