First described in 1825 as the original panda, this animal has been known by many names. Found in the mountains of Nepal it has been named, nigalya ponya, which could be translated “bamboo footed.” Another local name is chitwah. The Chinese name, hun-ho, means “fire fox”.
This small bamboo-eating creature is known also as a cloud bear and the himalayan racoon – though it is not related to either family of animals. In the scientific community it is known as Ailurus fulgens (meaning “fire-colored cat”) but around the world it’s most commonly known as the Red Panda.
Art By Breah 