The Sequoia Park Zoo has no time for LoCO’s silliness. Last week we irresponsibly whipped our readers into a frenzy by suggesting that all the world’s woes might be solved if only we’d band together and force Eureka’s zoo into acquiring a Moo Deng-like baby pygmy hippo.

Well, today the Sequoia Park Zoo has responded: Uh, no. Instead, they are going with what they know: Adorable red panda goodness. 

Get ready for Saffron madness, Humboldt. The Sequoia Park Zoo explains in the release below:

Sequoia Park Zoo wants to reassure the community that we have no plans to bring a baby pygmy hippo (or ten) to the best little zoo in the redwoods. 

While we acknowledge that Moo Deng is undeniably charming and her antics on social media have created a frenzy, a pygmy hippo would be unsuitable at Sequoia Park Zoo for many reasons.

“A hippo, even a pygmy one, would require the construction of a brand new habitat that is simply not practical,” explains Zoo Director, Jim Campbell-Spickler. “We don’t have the space or resources to care for major African mammals. Our temperate coastal climate and intimate size allow us to specialize in smaller North American, South American, and Asian species that will thrive at our facility.”

Saffron! Saffron! Saffron!

Instead of focusing energy on hypothetical pygmy hippos and hybrids, Sequoia Park Zoo would like to take the opportunity to announce the very real arrival of Saffron - a NEW red panda at the Zoo!

Last week, Zoo staff quietly welcomed a young male red panda from the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City, Kansas. Born in July 2023 to parents Charlie Junior (CJ) and Paprika, Saffron has come to Sequoia Park Zoo through the red panda Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As part of standard procedures for all new animals at the Zoo, Saffron will be cared for behind-the-scenes during a typical 30-day quarantine period.
“Red pandas are part of our identity as a Zoo, and we all have been patiently - but eagerly - waiting for this little guy!” says Animal Curator, Amanda Auston. “He’s still a young panda, and this is a big adjustment for him. We are going to work at his pace to gradually introduce him to life at our Zoo.”

Sequoia Park Zoo reminds the community that it might take months before Saffron is comfortable and ready for public appearances. We look forward to posting regular updates about Saffron’s progress as we care for him and learn the personality of this aptly nicknamed “baby spice.”

Guests wanting to support red pandas at Sequoia Park Zoo can contribute to the Red Panda Improvement Project Fund by making a donation at redwoodzoo.org/donate. 

The Red Panda Improvement Project supports construction and renovations to Sequoia Park Zoo’s red panda and muntjac habitat that will increase habitat size, enhance guest experience, and improve animal visibility.

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