Odense Zoo recently shared a heartwarming video capturing a behind-the-scenes moment of a zookeeper feeding a charming red panda on March 14.

Danni Larsen, PR officer of Odense Zoo, shed light on the zoo's training regimen with the red pandas, emphasising its dual purpose of fostering closeness with the animals and ensuring their well-being.

"We train with the red pandas several times a week," Larsen explained. "This allows the zookeepers to closely monitor their health and well-being."

This footage was filmed and produced 14 March 2024.

Odense Zoo recently shared a heartwarming video capturing a behind-the-scenes moment of a zookeeper feeding a charming red panda on March 14th.

Danni Larsen, PR officer of Odense Zoo, shed light on the zoo's training regimen with the red pandas, emphasizing its dual purpose of fostering closeness with the animals and ensuring their well-being.

"We train with the red pandas several times a week," Larsen explained. "This allows the zookeepers to closely monitor their health and well-being."

Utilizing positive reinforcement techniques, the zookeepers aim to train the red pandas to become comfortable with human touch - a valuable asset for potential medical interventions in the future.

With consistent training, the zoo hopes to expand the red pandas' tolerance for minor treatments, potentially eliminating the need for tranquilizer guns altogether.

Importantly, all training sessions are voluntary for the red pandas. "If the panda doesn't want to participate, it can choose not to," Larsen assured. As a reward for their cooperation, the pandas receive small pieces of grape - a delightful incentive for their active involvement in the training process.