The Pioneer of the Panda Name
Long before the giant panda became a global icon of conservation, the red panda had already claimed the title of “panda.” This historical gem dates back to the origins of their naming, rooted in the Nepali word “ponya,” which means bamboo or plant-eating animal. This title bears witness to the red panda’s longstanding presence in the cultural and natural history of their native habitats, marking them as the original ambassadors of the panda name.
