Red Panda Pilgrimage Day 4

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As a last minute addition to my itinerary, I visited the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware this morning and I am so glad I did! This zoo was not on my original list, but I added it when someone on my facebook page pointed out it was missing. I also didn't think I would have time to do a fifth zoo as today we are heading back home, but it all worked out time-wise and I am pleased to say I ended the first leg of my Red Panda Pilgrimage with such a special little place.

The Brandywine Zoo is located in the heart of Brandywine Park in Wilmington. The zoo was established over a hundred years ago and has seen many changes over its long history, but much of the grounds are historical, therefore must be preserved from too many changes/adaptations. The zoo does a wonderful job of working within these parameters and updating their exhibits accordingly. Because of limited space, red pandas were not always a part of the park. It was only two years ago that the zoo welcomed their two lovely lady pandas, Merry and Gansu. Since then, visitors and keepers alike have fallen in love with these special sisters.

I had the pleasure of meeting the Zoo's Director, Gene Peacock, who was kind enough to welcome me on such short notice and introduce me to the Zoo's General Curator, Lynn Klein, and Senior Keeper, Sharon Smith. Everyone I met today was enthusiastic and open with me, a clear sign that they love this zoo and want all of its visitors to as well. Believe me, it is not hard to see why so many people do. While the zoo itself is one of the smallest I've ever been to, their collection of animals is worth seeing. In addition to the two red pandas, there is also a tiger, some otters, a prehensile tailed porcupine (or as my son says, poke-u-pine), condors, lots of goats for petting, a capybara, bald eagles, and much more.

Merry and Gansu were sleepy girls while I was at the zoo today, but Sharon shared with me some pictures of the two from her phone. She also told me about an enrichment exercise they had been doing this morning (probably why they were so tuckered out by the time I got there) where they were given paper towel tubes with holes along the sides and treats inside that they had to puzzle out how to break into. Like many other red pandas I have met, they love their grapes. Sharon and Lynn also shared with me that the girls are not as fond of the snow as what we might call the "typical" red panda. They admitted that they are a bit spoiled, but it is easy to see why. When you're that cute and you clearly know it, you can expect to be somewhat pampered. A great thing about Brandywine being such a small zoo is that it is obvious the keepers genuinely get to know the animals and their individual personalities. This helps them to form special relationships that, I believe, must foster an even greater sense of dedication to their work. Being a zoo keeper is not an easy job (in fact, most times it is a downright dirty one), but when a person loves what they do, it can be an incredibly rewarding one.

I am so happy that I didn't miss this zoo on my Red Panda Pilgrimage and I urge all of you to swing by the next time you are in Delaware. Say hi to Merry and Gansu for me and be sure to tell any staff how much you appreciate their tiny little zoo.

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Photos

Talking with Sharon and Lynn
outside red panda exhibit

Merry2016
photo credit Sharon Smith

MerryandGansu2016
photo credit Sharon Smith

Comments

[Jane]

Love it!
So glad you got to go. And how cool is it that the Director's name is Gene Peacock?!