Bramble Park Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of two red panda brothers, named Piercy and Lino, from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. These exciting and adorable additions mark the first time the zoo has welcomed red pandas, a species known for their charm and unique behaviors.
The move comes as part of the Species Survival Plan, a coordinated breeding and transfer program managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Bramble Park Zoo’s longstanding partnership with AZA breeding programs has built trust and proven our commitment to providing high-quality animal care. This trust allows the zoo to receive animals like Piercy and Lino and continue participating in critical conservation efforts. Currently, the red pandas are on loan and the zoo will work closely with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, providing regular updates and ensuring the highest standards of care for the red pandas.
Piercy and Lino, born in June 2019, are five years old and weigh about 12 pounds each. They are known for their playful and food-motivated personalities. Lino is the more outgoing of the two, but both love enrichment activities and training.
“We’re so excited to welcome Piercy and Lino to our community. Red pandas are unique animals that have fascinated people for a long time,” Stacy Plocher, Bramble Park Zoo Superintendent said. “They have fun personalities and are one of the cutest animals around. We’re thrilled to offer our guests the chance to Come Closer and learn more about this incredible species.”
Red pandas thrive in cold climates, making Watertown’s winters a perfect match for their natural preferences. They enjoy a specialized diet of bamboo, browse (edible plants like tree leaves and bark), and a zoo-specific food called leaf-eater biscuits, along with small amounts of produce.
“Piercy and Lino are a wonderful addition to our zoo family, and we can’t wait for our community to meet them”, said Plocher.
As with all new arrivals, Piercy and Lino will undergo a 30-day quarantine period to ensure the health and safety of the red pandas and the entire zoo collection.
They will also be acclimating to their habitat over the next month. Red pandas are naturally shy, so the zoo staff will give them time to adjust to their new environment before introducing them to the public.
Updates on their progress and details about their exhibit opening will be shared on Bramble Park Zoo facebook and the City of Watertown website. Welcome to Watertown, Piercy and Lino!