Mandai Zoo to introduce new red panda during National Day weekend

Just in time for National Day long weekend, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is introducing a new red panda.

Visitors can watch Yaffa at the reserve's new purpose-built exhibit in Yangtze River zone, Mandai Wildlife Group announced on Friday (Aug 7). 

Originally from Taipei Zoo, the 11-year-old was brought to Singapore as part of an animal exchange programme, and is the first red panda to join River Wonders (formerly River Safari) in 12 years.

At present, River Wonders also houses Karma, a different red panda which lives in the zoo's Giant Panda Forest.

The red panda is native to Asia and also considered endangered, with fewer than 10,000 estimated to be left in the wild.

Although Mandai Wildlife Group is only announcing this now, Yaffa has been in Singapore since June 11, 2026.

He was subsequently quarantined for a month and his health assessed through various tests, including weight checks, ultrasounds and X-ray.

As he is considered relatively older, he will also undergo regular health and mobility checks.

His habitat in River Wonders was also crafted by his care team and exhibit designers, with multiple perches at great heights and a mix of different trees to reflect the red panda's arboreal lifestyle in the wild.

Thankfully, Yaffa isn't at the mercy of Singapore's heat — the enclosure is climate-controlled and kept below 25 deg C throughout the year.

The exhibit he is in also consists of two areas connected via an overhanging log that he can use to travel between them, and guests can observe him in an indoor viewing area without a glass barrier.

"Since settling in, Yaffa has been gradually exploring his new surroundings, investigating the climbing structures and discovering his favourite spots to rest," Mandai Wildlife Group said.

A second, separate exhibit is being constructed to house another red panda.

Mandai Wildlife Group animal care (operations) curator Azmi Amza said that Yaffa is an "ambassador" for his species and will allow guests the opportunity to learn more about red pandas.

Azmi revealed that when Yaffa first arrived, he was wary of his new environment but has since warmed up to the Mandai Wildlife Group team.

"He's got a lot of personality once you get to know him, and we can't wait for guests to see that for themselves."

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