The Maryland Zoo needs help naming one of its newest residents: a juvenile red panda.
The zoo has welcomed two red pandas recently, one a mature red panda female named Aurora, and a juvenile female still waiting for the perfect name. The Maryland Zoo hopes its many fans might suggest the right one, and it is holding a contest/fundraiser to do it. Starting tomorrow (June 13), visitors can see them in the zoo’s brand new habitat, which had its ribbon cutting today.
Both red pandas arrived at the zoo around the same time, but they came from different locations. They were born in different zoos around six years apart. Aurora is around 7 years old and the juvenile red panda is around 1 year old. Red pandas are endangered, and require ongoing conservation efforts.
The fundraising opportunity gives people the chance to name the younger red panda. By supporting her care through donations, people will be entered for a chance to leave their mark on zoo history. Every donation of $20 earns one entry for the chance to help name her. Only credit card and Venmo transactions will be accepted, no checks.
One winner will be randomly chosen, then notified by the zoo’s development team. That winner will be invited to the Maryland Zoo to meet with the red panda keeper team to learn more about the pandas and their care. This meeting should take place in person or virtually by June 29, 2026.
After the meeting, the winner can submit three potential names for the animal care team’s consideration. Explanations for name choices are encouraged! Names must be appropriate in nature, and the zoo reserves final discretion in choosing the name. The panda’s name will be announced on July 2, 2026.
Every donation helps provide care and supports conservation efforts at the Maryland Zoo and beyond. Donate by June 22 at 10 a.m. to enter.
