Buffalo Zoo’s red panda cubs’ names revealed
You’ve already fallen in love with our female red panda cubs, but now, you can greet them by name!
The Buffalo Zoo is thrilled to introduce Joy and Henny!
Joy, born right here at the Buffalo Zoo on June 15 to proud parents Himalaya and Mogwai, received her name through a heartfelt and generous donation made during our recent Rendezvous in the Zoo “RITZ” Gala, presented by the Yurtchuk Foundation. The word joy comes from the Latin meaning “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” Her donor chose the name to capture the way this little cub has already brightened the lives of her family, our staff, our visitors, and our entire community — and to carry that joy wherever her journey may take her in the future.
Our newest cub, Henny, arrived in Buffalo through a special partnership with the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan. Her name, given during her time there, is of German and Dutch origin, meaning “ruler of the home.”
While petite in size, Henny carries her name with quiet strength and determination, and her more reddish face sets her apart from her new sister’s” strikingly white head.
Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of two Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos, both Joy and Henny have been given the very best chance to grow strong and thrive. After early challenges, the two are now flourishing together — learning, playing, and teaching each other important natural behaviors along the way.
Buffalo Zoo visitors can say hello to Joy and Henny from 1:30-3 p.m. daily in the ambassador animal exhibit near the entrance to the Diversity Hallway and our gorilla exhibit.
Because the cubs are still young, viewing times may vary as their health and well-being always come first. Behind the scenes, our animal care experts are helping them prepare for longer exhibit hours and, in time, larger habitats. Viewing is not guaranteed and the hours they are on view may vary as they grow.
Red pandas are classified as endangered, with fewer than 10,000 left in the wild. Native to Asia, specifically the forests of Nepal, Bhutan and southern China, they face severe threats from deforestation and habitat loss. While they possess the digestive system of a carnivore, they are practically vegetarians, eating mostly bamboo leaves, and similar greenery.
With Joy and Henny, we are not just introducing two adorable faces — we are sharing a powerful story of hope, resilience, and collaboration. Their journey reminds us why conservation matters, and why protecting vulnerable species is at the heart of the Buffalo Zoo’s mission to Save Wildlife.
