From the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens:

Endangered Female Red Panda Travels in Style

Newest arrival flown onboard Southwest Airlines from Memphis to San Francisco

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens continues to invest in Asian conservation as part of its strategic focus on supporting endangered species with the recent addition of a young female red panda named “Little Mebo.” Red pandas are an endangered species with their population in the wild decreasing.

“The newest red panda was placed here as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival for Red Pandas,” said Tanya M. Peterson, CEO and executive director. “SSPs are comprised of zoological experts who study various factors before moving an animal to ensure the genetic diversity of a species. SF Zoo has provided a safe haven for the endangered red panda for several years, and we are honored to provide a home for Little Mebo. We thank our various partners for ensuring Little Mebo arrived here as comfortably as possible.”

Little Mebo recently arrived from the Memphis Zoo via Southwest Airlines^®, which made a special exception to transport the red panda in the cabin of the aircraft. 

“We are so thankful to Southwest Airlines and their amazing employees who took care of our assistant curator and ‘Little Mebo’ at every step of their journey,” said Dominick Dorsa, vice president of Animal Care. “Transporting animals can be stressful for both the animals and staff involved, and zoos and aquariums make every effort to minimize stress. Southwest Airlines granted a special exception by allowing our red panda to travel in the aircraft’s cabin, making it a smooth transport.”

When animals are transferred from one zoo to another, many factors are considered to ensure a safe journey to their new home, such as how long the travel time might be. SF Zoo follows strict guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and International Air Transport Association for transporting animals.

According to SF Zoo’s Assistant Curator Andrew Poole, who traveled to Memphis to pick up and escort Little Mebo to San Francisco, many curious travelers were able to view the red panda as he wheeled the crate through the airport. Even seasoned TSA staff were described as “delighted” when the animal went through security.

“It was hard to keep a low profile with Little Mebo peeking over the mesh door covering of the crate every 30 seconds. Everyone was beyond excited to see her.” said Poole. “I was curious to see how Little Mebo would do with the transport. As the plane climbed to 35,000 feet, I looked into the crate to check on her and saw that she was doing well and calmly chewing on some bamboo, enjoying her flight.” 

Poole and Little Mebo had a connecting flight in Denver (DEN) and were greeted upon arrival by Southwest employees who rolled out the red carpet to help Little Mebo feel at home. After the flight from Denver to San Francisco, the red panda arrived safely to the zoo.

The name, “Little Mebo,” was selected by San Francisco Zoological Society Board Member Kevin Xu. “I asked to name her in honor of my mother but also wanted to highlight the playful and curous nature of the red panda,” said Xu. “And as a new member of the Zoological Society, I am eager to engage and participate in the Zoo’s Asian conservation initiatives as we build to the future.”

Little Mebo joins the Zoo’s male, “Tenzing,” and an older female, “Hunter,” at the Red Panda Treehouse located at the Zoo’s Youth Exploration Zone.