Saskatoon's red panda may soon find a mate

The search is on to find a mate for Phoenix, Saskatoon's only red panda.

CBCNews

Phoenix is a 3 year old male Red Panda at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo.
(Photo courtesy of John Moran/Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo)

Valentine's Day was a day like any other for Phoenix, Saskatoon's only red panda. Phoenix had been promised a mate last fall. A female from North Dakota. But then she developed some medical problems and couldn't make the trip.

So mating season came and went and Phoenix remained alone.

But not for much longer. John Moran, manager of Saskatoon's Forestry Farm Zoo, said they're searching for a suitable mate. And they hope to have her meet Phoenix by early fall.

Moran said it will be a slow introduction, over a period of four to six weeks.

"We have to ensure they are relatively compatible," said Moran.

Red Panda - Phoenix
Phoenix is hoping to meet his mate by the fall.
(Photo courtesy of John Moran/Saskatoon Forestry Farm Zoo)

He said they will be watching for aggressive behaviour, especially during meal times.

Moran said in choosing a mate for three-year-old Phoenix, they will be paying close attention to blood lines. He said they want to make sure they're not related.

While zoo staff want to make sure Phoenix doesn't remain alone, they're also concerned about the survival of the species. Red pandas are on the endangered list. Phoenix is part of the Species Survival Plan, a program designed to boost the species' shrinking population.