The Cape May County Park and Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of a new red panda named Dr. Stephen Wallace. Dr. Wallace (aka Wally) arrived in May from Zoo Knoxville. He was born on June 3 in a litter of two males, meaning he is celebrating his first birthday at the Zoo today. He was named after a paleontologist who discovered red panda fossils in East Tennessee at the Gray Fossil Site. Those fossils were ancestors of red pandas in Asia.

Keepers say Dr. Wallace is curious and adventurous, and he loves checking out new furniture and enrichment. He also enjoys interacting with his new keepers, especially if he is receiving snacks. Dr. Wallace can be seen daily in the rear panda yard, but he always has the choice to go into his building, so guests are encouraged to check back if they don’t see him. Ember, the Zoo’s other red panda, can still be seen in the front panda yard. Based on the recommendations of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan (SSP) program, the next step is to introduce these two individuals in the near future. Aurora, the Zoo’s former resident, has moved to another zoo, also based on a recommendation from the Red Panda SSP. 

“The Cape May County Zoo was just named one of the best free attractions in the Country according to USA Today, and the commitment to continuing to improve and grow is one of the reasons why,” said Cape May County Commissioner Director Leonard C. Desiderio. “The Zoo is one of the premier anchors for tourism in our County bringing in 750,000 people last year.”

Red pandas are endemic to the eastern Himalayan mountains in Asia. They are found in temperate forests and have a diet that relies heavily on bamboo. Their beautiful red coats earned them the nickname “firefox.” Red pandas were recorded and named 50 years before giant pandas, making them the original panda!

“We are excited to announce this new addition and celebrate Wally’s birthday with the public,” said Cape May County Commissioner Vice-Director Andrew Bulakowski, who is also the liaison to the Cape May County Park and Zoo. “I can’t thank the team enough at the Park and Zoo for their tireless dedication and enthusiasm to provide the best experience possible for our residents and visitors.”

The Cape May County Parks and Zoo are open daily. The Parks are open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and the Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit CMCZoo.com for more information.