Program Details
The mascot naming contest has closed.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is rolling out the red carpet for the debut of its newest mascot. The masked creature being unmasked is none other than everyone’s favorite firefox – the red panda! Pittsburgh Zoo fans will have the opportunity suggest names for the new mascot, with contest funds going directly to support red panda conservation.
The red panda is a highly appropriate ambassador. One of the Zoo’s most popular residents, the playful and popular panda represents the unforgettable fun of a trip to the Zoo. As an endangered species, it also signifies the institution’s longtime commitment to conservation.
Members of the public are invited to submit names in a contest on the Zoo’s website with a minimum $1 donation. Name suggestions will be accepted for one week, from now until Friday, May 17, then they will be vetted by staff and the ultimate winner will be announced May 31 on the Zoo’s social media channels.
Proceeds benefit the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s SAFE Red Panda program. The program coordinates zoos across the country with conservation efforts in the field, including habitat conservation and restoration, surveys of wild populations, conservation education, and prevention of wildlife disease. The program was launched in January with sixteen zoo partners currently. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is providing leadership and significant support for SAFE Red Panda. . There are as few as 2,500 wild pandas left in the wild with a 50% decline in their population over the last two decades. The red panda has both a highly specified diet and ecological niche, which makes it more vulnerable to climate change and habitat loss.
How to enter your name:
- Set Donation Amount: Select your donation amount of $1, $3 or $5, click "continue" to enter your Red Panda Mascot name and then click "Add to Cart".
- Custom Donation: Enter your donation amount, enter your Red Panda Mascot name in the box below the "Donation Amount" field and then click "Add to Order".