A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo; Dorji, the 10-Month-Old Red Panda Making His Public Debut

Photo Credit: Jack Bradley

Fan Favorite Award-Winning Singer Songwriter Chris Rowlands Returns

​Bridgeport, CT – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce two public debuts for this Memorial Day weekend!   The zoo is pleased to share the news of a new furry friend, Dorji the Red Panda.  Dorji will now have a motherly companion as he joins 14-year-old Berry in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat.  Also appearing this extended holiday weekend, a fan favorite and award-winning singer-songwriter Chris Rowlands returns!

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About Dorji the Red Panda:
(Dorji pronounced “door-jay”) 
 
The ten-month-old, Dorji was born at Hogle Zoo and lost his mother only a few months after birth.  He spent time learning “to Panda” from his father and won hearts in Utah with his charismatic and lovable nature. His relocation to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is part of a significant conservation initiative endorsed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP). 

Dorji has a clean bill of health after spending time undergoing a standard 30-day quarantine to ensure his well-being as he adjusted to his new environment.  His debut at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is eagerly anticipated by staff and visitors alike.

Zoo Director, Gregg Dancho stated, “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Dorji.  We have really high expectations that he and Berry will get along well.  She’s a bit older and we expect that her maternal instincts will come through so that she can teach Dorji the ropes and really, ‘how to panda’!”
Dorji is known for his late-night snacks and his sweet, inquisitive nature. As a pivotal addition to the zoo's Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, he will contribute to enhancing the species' genetic diversity and future breeding programs. His move aligns with the SSP’s goal to ensure the vitality of endangered species like the Red Panda.
Red pandas are small, arboreal animals native to the Himalayas and southern China, renowned for their fire-colored fur and gentle demeanor. They face a variety of threats in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching, which have led to their endangered status.

At the Zoo, Dorji will enjoy the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat that was designed to mimic the high altitudes and bamboo thickets of his native terrain, complete with engaging enrichment activities. This environment not only serves his needs but also educates the public about the importance of preserving such unique species.
The arrival of Dorji is just the beginning of what Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and its patrons hope will be a new chapter in the story of Red Panda conservation. We welcome all to come and meet Dorji, and to learn more about contributing to the preservation of these enchanting creatures.

About Chris Rowlands LIVE:
Rowlands Performs at the Zoo on May 25, May 26, May 27, at ​10AM, 1PM, 3PM
Famous for getting everyone involved, Rowlands brings animals to life through song, dance, puppets, and colorful props, to teach children about animals and their habitats. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self- penned songs. All Rowlands’ performances are free with paid admission to the Zoo. Saturday's event is sponsored by the Fairfield County Farm Bureau.

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and a new prairie dog exhibit that we’ll cut the ribbon on soon! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org