Pittsburgh Zoo Leads Global Coalition to Secure Red Panda Survival

Dr. Shafkat Khan, the zoo's Director of Conservation, serves as the program’s lead, coordinating 27 institutions to tackle threats ranging from poaching and climate change to habitat fragmentation. During a recent field visit to Nepal, Dr. Khan collaborated with the Red Panda Network to evaluate restoration sites in Jaubari village. Success in these high-altitude regions relies on community-led initiatives, particularly those involving local women’s committees who manage forest corridors essential for connecting isolated populations.

Beyond habitat management, the initiative addresses the spread of canine distemper and rabies, which threaten both domestic dogs and wild red pandas. Dr. Lauren Kane, the zoo’s Senior Associate Veterinarian, is managing a vaccination campaign to protect wildlife by improving veterinary standards within local communities. This "One Health" approach recognizes that the survival of the species is inextricably linked to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.

Public engagement forms the final pillar of this strategy. Dr. Jenn Torpie, Vice President of Conservation and Education, is integrating field research into educational programming across North America to convert visitor interest into tangible support. As the 41st program added to the AZA roster, SAFE Red Panda represents a systematic attempt to replace fragmented conservation efforts with a unified, science-based model for long-term viability in the wild.