“Future" has finally arrived at Taipei thanks to the collaborative efforts of Japan and Taiwan in the red panda conservation.
On December 28th, 2023, a red panda named “Future" arrived successfully from Japan in Taiwan that night. After a month-long quarantine period, Future will undertake the responsibility of breeding outside its native habitat at the Taipei Zoo. This collaboration between the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) and Taipei Zoo aims to maintain the population and genetic diversity of red pandas, fulfilling the zoo's commitment to ex-situ conservation of endangered species and minimizing inbreeding risks. Following the recommendation of the International red panda coordinator, and with coordination facilitated by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), the zoo visited Japan in mid-June to discuss related animal exchange matters. Subsequently, in July, discussions were held in an online meeting to select an individual for exchange based on factors such as the matching coefficient, breeding experience, and age. A four-year-old male red panda named "Future" from Hamazoo was chosen to be exchanged with Taipei Zoo to maintain gene diversity. After completing the quarantine upon arrival in Taiwan, Future will be paired with the current female red pandas in the exhibit. The male red panda will be available for visitors to meet no earlier than April.