The Welfare and Educational Impacts of Encounter Experiences and Displays on Zoo-Housed Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens).

Close animal encounters potentially increase visitor connection to species and present an educational and fundraising opportunity. However, evidence of the impacts on animal welfare or visitor education is limited. Red panda (Ailurus Fulgens spp.) encounters are gaining popularity despite a lack of research on their effects. As red panda are a characteristically cautious species and prone to disturbance, concern has been raised as to their suitability for encounters. We examined the extent and composition of red panda encounters amongst 150 Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) member zoos (survey responses), and their impact on longevity and reproduction (species 360 analysis). Over a third (39%) of zoos surveyed offered red panda encounters, with most (71%) being animal feeding experiences. Educational information was provided in almost all cases (95%) and focused on the encounter individuals and species' natural history. Of the 31 encounter red panda who were also part of a breeding program, 24 reproduced. Comparative data analysis suggested that encounter red panda produced more offspring and had higher longevity (survival) than non-encounter individuals, although this may reflect changes in red panda husbandry over time. A. f. styani were less likely to breed and produced fewer offspring than A. f. fulgens. Whilst there appears to be no major negative impacts of red panda encounters, continued monitoring and ensuring high animal-welfare standards remains vital.