‘Bon voyage, Bandit’: Red panda to leave Henry Vilas for conservation breeding effort

Bandit, one of the Henry Vilas Zoo’s two red pandas, will leave later this week because of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos & Aquarium (AZA) as Bandit and Betty, the zoo’s female panda, did not successfully breed despite getting along well. 

Bandit will move to another AZA-accredited institution as part of a conservation effort aimed at protecting the endangered species, the zoo announced Monday. 

“Introducing them to new companions does increase the likelihood of offspring,” said Kristin Moala, the zoo’s marketing manager.

Moala said Bandit will be paired with a mate to support further breeding efforts. Moala told The Daily Cardinal the new zoo location cannot be disclosed until after the transfer. 

Bandit’s move is a part of the AZA’s Red Panda Species Survival Plan, which aims to support wild red panda populations by partnering with zoos equipped to coordinate breeding and conservation efforts.  Red pandas are classified as endangered, with fewer than 2,500 adults estimated to remain in the wild. 

“While it’s always difficult to say goodbye to an animal who has meant so much to our staff and guests, we are proud to play a role in the larger conservation mission,” Dane County Executive Melissa Agard said in a press release. “Bandit’s move is an important step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of red pandas in accredited zoos.”

The 5-year-old panda’s going away party will happen Wednesday in front of the red panda exhibit at noon where guests are encouraged to learn more about the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts and to sign Bandit’s “bon voyage” card. 

“My personal favorite memory is from last fall when I was feeding him apple sticks and his pseudo-thumb hooked around my fingers briefly,” Moala told the Cardinal. “It was almost like he held my hand for just a second.”

Bandit’s primary zookeeper Tara Lee said in the same statement his care team will deeply miss him. 

“Bandit will always have a special place in my heart, but we are excited for this next chapter for him,” she said.

Henry Vilas first welcomed Bandit in July 2022 after his great-grandfather Tarrei passed away in December 2021. Bandit was moved from the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, where an anonymous donor gave him his name for the dark markings on his face that give the appearance of a mask. 

The zoo said it has worked closely with veterinary and animal care staff to ensure Bandit’s move is handled safely and with minimal stress. Henry Vilas expects to welcome another red panda later this year, which will join Betty. 

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