Cute Archibald

Not the best photo (copied from a newspaper), but this red panda resides at Mill Mountain Zoo, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The original was taken in the summer of 2014, so he is adult size now. He was one of two born at the zoo to the resident female, but was abandoned, so the zoo keepers had to raise him. Recently I read where the zoo is adopting another bottle-fed, abandoned red panda from another zoo to give him a companion. I am proud of this small, species-protecting zoo that focuses on education and maintaining the genetic diversity of the animals it has taken in. There are some birds of prey that were injured and therefore unable to survive in the wild. Most of the species kept at the zoo are under a species protection plan for breeding with other zoo animals, in order to protect the genetic diversity of that species.

Wordless Wednesday

Where's spring?

These two playful red pandas are sure enjoying the snow. Of course, they are adapted to snowy climates. I am certainly glad there are creatures that enjoy the snow, but IT IS TIME FOR SPRING! Here in Virginia, it is about ten degrees cooler than normal for late March, and even my forsythias have frozen in time. Past years these bushes have given me early spring beauty that fills me with the hope of future warmth. This late March they have not bloomed out-there are hints of yellow, but the cold nights are putting the blooms on hold. Should be in the 50's to low 60's over the next couple of days. I need to soak up some sun! Please, please, Sun, send us some of your warmth soon!

P.S. This cute picture was found on tumblr.com with no reference. I assume it is from a zoo. I am sorry for giving no credit. If you own it, I'll be glad to credit you!