The modern red panda could soon join the extinct species found at the Gray Fossil Site if action is not taken soon. To raise awareness about these critters native to Asia and once Tennessee, the Red Panda Network is sponsoring the 1st Annual International Red Panda Day on Saturday, Nov. 13. The East Tennessee State University and General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Visitor Center at the Gray Fossil Site is joining the cause by planning a day of activities to celebrate the uniqueness of the endangered red panda.
An expected 250,000 visitors and students at 30 participating zoos, museums and schools worldwide will commemorate this day to support conservation efforts of the red panda in the Eastern Himalaya. The goal of International Red Panda Day is to create as many “Red Panda Rangers” as possible around the world on a single day. A Red Panda Ranger is a special title given to children that help spread the word about the red panda.
From 11a.m. to 4 p.m., children will “climb” the highest mountains of the Himalayas, learn about the elusive red panda, participate in engaging activities and earn the badges and title of Red Panda Ranger.
At 4 p.m., paleontologist Dr. Steven Wallace will present “Red Pandas of the Past and Present,” a free talk about the importance of the Gray Fossil Site’s Appalachian red panda and how it compares to the modern species.
In addition, the Natural History Museum will donate half of the proceeds from the sale of the Gray Fossil Site Red Panda Patches and other donations collected to the Red Panda Network. Contributions received from International Red Panda Day will support awareness campaigns in Nepal and China, where two red pandas were recently observed for sale at a pet store and restaurant.
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